Former Spain international and Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes Liverpool should consider swapping Florian Wirtz for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, insisting the Brazilian will develop at Anfield. Wirtz has struggled since joining the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen, with no goals or assists in 11 league appearances.
The forward has missed Liverpool’s last two games due to a muscle problem, but could return to Arne Slott’s side for Sunday’s Premier League game against West Ham. If he does feature, it remains unclear whether he will be in the starting eleven given the scrutiny over his display. Meanwhile, Mendieta suggests that Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso could reinvigorate Wirtz’s fortunes following their successful partnership at Leverkusen.
Wirtz spent five years at the German club, three of which were under the guidance of the Spaniard.
“Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior have a swap deal, so why not do it? Honestly, why not?” Mendieta told Casino Stugan. “I think Florian Wirths from Real Madrid is obviously attracting more attention than Vinicius Junior from Liverpool at the moment, but I think a swap deal might suit them better.
“We’ve seen before that when coaches like a player and know they can get the best out of that player, they want to work with that player again.
“He was the leader of Leverkusen. There are a lot of what-ifs, but we have seen it before. The question at Real Madrid will be which position will he play and who will he replace him?”
“I think it’s crowded, especially in midfield, because they already have problems with players like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.
“But you never know, as we have seen how player and coach will cross paths again in the future. With the right support, Vinicius Junior can have great success in the Premier League.”
“When I say support, I mean the club believes in him. Obviously he’s a great player. There’s a physical aspect to the Premier League and he’s obviously a strong player.
“I could see him being successful. I want to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League. I think it will be a great challenge for him as a player.”
Vigni Junior’s future has been one of the most discussed topics at Real Madrid in recent months.
According to The Athletic, negotiations over a new contract have stalled and “the situation has become complicated.”
According to reports, his relationship with Alonso remains “strained” and this could influence his decision. The Brazilian winger’s contract runs until the summer of 2027.
