Chelsea have been named as a possible future destination for Florian Wirtz if the German playmaker’s struggles at Liverpool continue.
Germany legend Lothar Matthäus believes a move to Stamford Bridge could reunite Wirtz with Xabi Alonso, the coach under whom he produced the best football of his career at Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Matthäus was suggesting a potential solution rather than revealing concrete interest from Chelsea. There is currently no confirmation that the Blues have approached Liverpool or Wirtz’s representatives.
Matthäus questions Liverpool’s use of Wirtz
Liverpool signed Wirtz from Leverkusen in June 2025 for an initial £100million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to £116m.
The 23-year-old produced seven goals and 10 assists during his first season at Anfield, but his performances have attracted renewed criticism during the current campaign.
Matthäus believes Liverpool’s style and the decisions of Wirtz’s teammates have contributed to his difficulties.
He noted that Germany’s players regularly look to involve Wirtz, as his Leverkusen teammates did, whereas Liverpool’s players often choose alternatives such as Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexander Isak.
Wirtz demonstrated his international quality by scoring and earning the player-of-the-match award in Germany’s recent 2-0 victory over Serbia.
He also produced an influential display against Greece, creating several chances and completing more successful dribbles than any other player.
Chelsea suggested as possible destination
Matthäus does not believe a return to Germany with Bayern Munich is currently realistic because of the attacking options already available to Vincent Kompany.
Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are established starters, while Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari provide further competition.
But Matthäus believes Chelsea could become an option if Wirtz continues to struggle and Liverpool eventually decide to consider a sale.
Xabi Alonso coached Wirtz at Leverkusen, where the pair helped the club win an unbeaten Bundesliga title and the German Cup during the 2023/24 season.
Wirtz contributed 38 goals and 43 assists in 119 appearances while working under the Spanish coach.
Matthäus suggested that if Wirtz cannot rediscover his confidence and freedom at Liverpool, the player and club may eventually need to “sit down together” to discuss a solution.
Clubs in Spain could also be interested, although Wirtz remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030.
Carragher calls for Wirtz to be dropped
Jamie Carragher has increased the pressure on Wirtz by arguing that he should be removed from Liverpool’s starting line-up.
The former Reds defender criticised Wirtz after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, claiming his contribution was “nowhere near enough”.
Wirtz struggled to influence the game and was substituted after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men in the second half.
Carragher believes Liverpool should restructure their midfield by moving Szoboszlai into the attacking midfield position and using Ryan Gravenberch alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
“He shouldn’t be in the Liverpool team right now,” Carragher said.
Despite the criticism, Liverpool have given no indication that they are ready to abandon their significant investment.
Chelsea’s involvement is therefore hypothetical at this stage. Matthäus has identified Stamford Bridge as a logical future destination, but no transfer negotiations or formal interest have been established.
