Bayer Leverkusen have approached Liverpool with a special request involving Florian Wirtz — a gesture that could stir emotions.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia offered plenty of talking points, but Florian Wirtz stole the spotlight during their 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
The 22-year-old midfielder, recently signed from Bayer Leverkusen, scored his first goal for the Reds with a composed finish in the 62nd minute — levelling the score and sparking a comeback.
His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, along with a unique gift: a cheque for one million Japanese yen (around £5,000), handed over at the Nissan Stadium.
Confident on the ball and influential throughout, the German international made an early case for becoming a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield this season.
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Bundesliga side hope to honour Wirtz with proper send-off
According to German outlet Sport.de, Bayer Leverkusen and Florian Wirtz are both eager to share a proper farewell — something they missed earlier in the summer when his transfer to Liverpool was finalised.
To make that happen, Leverkusen have submitted a request to Liverpool to release Wirtz from training early next week, with the hope that he can return for a short visit to the BayArena.
The club is planning a tribute during their friendly against Pisa on August 5, and potentially August 6 as well, allowing supporters to say goodbye to the 22-year-old in front of a home crowd.
The request has been made, but a final decision from Liverpool — and manager Arne Slot — is not expected until the weekend.
For now, both sides are waiting, as Leverkusen hope to give one of their brightest talents a fitting send-off before he fully begins his new chapter at Anfield.
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