Florian Wirtz Set to Make Highly Anticipated Liverpool Debut - When Will Fans See Him in Action?
Liverpool commenced their preseason campaign with an emotional 3-1 triumph over Preston North End on Sunday, marking their first appearance following the heartbreaking losses of Diogo Jota and André Silva.
Preston played their role admirably in honoring Liverpool's eternal No. 20, while the packed visiting supporters paid tribute to their former hero through banners, scarves and continuous singing. Arne Slot's team continues to grieve, and the sorrow felt throughout the city shows no signs of fading quickly.
"Everything feels insignificant when we consider what has occurred. However, we are a football organization and must continue training and competing, whether we desire to or not," Slot remarked following Liverpool's preseason victory.
The Reds face the challenge of defending their Premier League crown in August, with an intensive summer program ahead. On Sunday, Slot gave first appearances to keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, along with new signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Nevertheless, Liverpool fans must wait longer to witness their record acquisition Florian Wirtz in action.
The Soonest Opportunity for Florian Wirtz's Liverpool Debut
German midfielder Wirtz finalized his massive £116 million ($156.4 million) transfer to Anfield recently, after proving himself as one of Europe's most celebrated creators in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old contributed 22 league goals and assists as Leverkusen overthrew Bayern Munich in Germany during their perfect 2022-23 season. Wirtz equaled that output in the following campaign, though they couldn't prevent Bayern from reclaiming their title.
Bayern Munich were strongly pursuing Wirtz before he chose Liverpool, and the German talent has sufficient time to adapt to Slot's system before the 2025-26 season begins.
Many anticipated Wirtz's involvement at Deepdale on Sunday, but the new signing wasn't part of Slot's 25-man traveling party. The attacking midfielder reportedly had an interrupted preseason start and wasn't considered ready for action. Players like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister were also absent for the Reds.
Liverpool's next fixture is Saturday, July 26 versus Milan in Hong Kong—opening their Far East preseason tour. Wirtz therefore has 12 days to improve his conditioning, with many now anticipating that match as the German's inaugural appearance in his new kit.
When Might Florian Wirtz Make His Official Debut?
Liverpool's opening official fixture of the 2025-26 season is the customary campaign opener, the Community Shield. As Premier League winners, the Reds are set to face FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10.
Should Wirtz remain unfit for that ceremonial match which sits somewhere between a 'friendly' and 'final' in terms of significance, he might debut on the Premier League's opening weekend. Liverpool welcome Bournemouth on Friday, August 15 in a fascinating start to the new league season.