Wirtz at a crossroad: Hamann hints at Real Madrid loan as Liverpool’s youngest star searches for rhythm

January loan scenario

German former star Dietmar Hamann predicted that Liverpool’s new signing Florian Wirtz could move to Real Madrid on loan in the upcoming January transfer window, a move that might revive his difficult start in the Premier League.

Transfer fee and expectations

Liverpool signed Wirtz in the recent summer from Bayer Leverkusen for about £116 million, making him one of the club’s most expensive players in history.

Premier League adjustment and European form

Despite the hype around his arrival, the 22-year-old has yet to establish himself in the Premier League, failing to score or assist in his first nine league appearances for the Reds. In Europe, he has been better, creating two goals in three Champions League matches and providing a decisive assist in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace in August, a game Liverpool lost 2-1.

Leverkusen form vs. Liverpool challenge

Observers say his level remains below his dazzling Leverkusen form, where he was among the Bundesliga’s leading playmakers with 122 goal contributions in 197 appearances before moving to England.

Loan culture and Madrid link

In statements reported by Metro, Hamann – a Liverpool legend and one of Germany’s top analysts – said a January move to Real Madrid isn’t ruled out and could be logical given the close ties with the current Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. He added: “In the past, big players weren’t loaned out. Loans were for players who didn’t play much, while stars stayed with their clubs. But now everything has changed.”

He continued: “Perhaps this trend started with Philippe Coutinho’s move from Liverpool to Barcelona for around €140m, and after a year only was loaned to Bayern Munich. In today’s football, you can’t rule anything out.”

Aloof but insightful: Alonso’s influence

Hamann noted reports that Alonso asked Real Madrid to monitor Wirtz’s performances at Liverpool, and he believes Alonso speaks about him with genuine affection. Wirtz was a major reason behind Leverkusen’s league and cup triumphs in the season before last.

Hamann praised Wirtz’s role in Leverkusen’s historic successes under Alonso, calling him the “heartbeat” of the side. He added: “Wirtz was the driving force in Leverkusen, alongside Granit Xhaka. The duo formed a complete midfield partnership, and it’s natural Real Madrid would keep a close eye.”

The former German international stressed Wirtz is a quality player; it’s not a Liverpool failure, he simply hasn’t adapted yet. We’re talking about roughly ten matches, a short time to judge. In football, nothing is impossible.

He recalled a past example to show even the best players struggle to settle at big clubs: “In my era, Juan Sebastián Verón joined Manchester United as the world’s best midfielder, but lasted only one season. So you can’t rule out anything, even for the best players.”

Hamann argued that Wirtz’s Liverpool future would be decided in the coming weeks; everything depends on what happens over the next two months. If Real Madrid is truly following him, a January move could be very possible.

In closing, he admired Wirtz’s choice to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich, saying it reflected a strong character and a different ambition. He added: “If he had joined Bayern, he might have given them a bigger chance to win the Champions League, but he chose the tougher path with Liverpool and a completely new challenge.”

He concluded with cautious optimism: “Sometimes one or two matches can change everything for a player. If Wirtz regains his confidence, he will show everyone why Liverpool paid over £100 million to sign him. I haven’t given up on him yet.”

Finally, Hamann left the door open with a hopeful note: sometimes a game or two can rewrite a player’s story.

Punchline 1: If Wirtz starts finding the net, Liverpool will stop refunding fans—though the bank may still be counting the original transfer fee. Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything—maybe this January, the joke ends with a trophy and a calendar full of smiles.