Real Madrid Scout Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz During Manchester City Defeat at Anfield

Real Madrid sent scouts to Anfield on Sunday, where Florian Wirtz was among the players under observation as Liverpool lost 3-0 to Manchester City, according to TEAMtalk.

Are Real Madrid Pursuing Florian Wirtz?

Not at this stage. The Spanish giants are not believed to be pushing for the German’s signature, and the visit appears to be part of their wider monitoring work. Alexis Mac Allister and Erling Haaland were also reportedly on the scouts’ radar. City took control of the contest after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off, which changed the complexion of the afternoon.

How Did Wirtz Perform for Liverpool?

The former Bayer Leverkusen star produced two key passes and completed 80 per cent of his passes. That was respectable, but short of the standards that made him one of Europe’s most exciting creators in the Bundesliga. He has yet to show that form consistently on Merseyside, which raises fair questions about his adaptation to English football.

Opinion: A Wirtz Move to Madrid Makes Little Sense

A scouting trip is not a transfer bid. Real Madrid are well stocked in attacking midfield, with Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler both capable of playing in the number ten role. Adding Wirtz would create a selection headache unless one of them left, and neither looks set to do so.

Liverpool are equally unlikely to cash in. Selling a 23-year-old after a difficult settling-in period would be a hasty call, and Wirtz still has plenty of time to rediscover his best. In my view, patience is the sensible route for the Reds, and this looks like due diligence from Madrid rather than the start of a pursuit.