Liverpool told to complete one key signing after Florian Wirtz: ‘They’ve got to’

Liverpool continue to chase Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz but former striker Emile Heskey believes the Reds’ next priority in summer transfer window is clear

Emile Heskey reckons Liverpool need to concentrate on adding a prolific centre-forward once they have wrapped up a deal for Florian Wirtz.

The Reds have already seen two bids for Germany playmaker Wirtz turned down by Bayer Leverksen, who are demanding a record £125m for the Bundesliga’s best player.

And once Liverpool ’s pursuit of the Germany playmaker concludes, former striker Heskey would like to see the club focus on bringing in a striker who can score regularly – especially with Darwin Nunez appearing likely to be heading for the exit following two disappointing campaigns.

Liverpool are also keen on the Bournemouth full back Milos Kerkez having already confirmed a deal for Wirtz’s Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong after Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed his move to Real Madrid ahead of next week’s Club World Cup.

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“I’d like to see Liverpool bring in a centre forward too. They’ve been missing that since Roberto Firmino,” Heskey said.

“You only realise his impact on the team when you look at his goals and those of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah either side of him. He’d score about 15 goals a season with the other two scoring 20 plus, so that’s around 60 goals from your front three every season.

“Nowadays, it’s only Salah putting up those numbers. They’ve got to bolster that No9 position and bring in a proper goalscorer. We’ve seen what Erling Haaland has done at Manchester City. Alexander Isak has shown the importance of a goalscoring No9 for Newcastle this season, too.”

Heskey, who was speaking to Poker Scout, also said that he believes Wirtz is a similar sort of player to former Reds midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

He added: “The potential signing of Florian Wirtz would be great for Liverpool. He’s a fantastic player and having watched a few clips of him, he reminds me of Philippe Coutinho. His way of manoeuvring the ball and getting into those pockets of space really reminds me of him, his dribbling and finishing is top class also.

“That type of player has been missing from this Liverpool side for a while, who can really do well in those tight spaces and create some more chances through the middle.

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