 "'I wanted to join a club that...': Liverpool's record signing Florian Wirtz reveals why he is thrilled to join the Reds")
After winning the Premier League title in 2024/25, champions Liverpool have made significant signings in the summer transfer window, making a statement to their rivals that they are no longer the same frugal entity that used to refrain from splashing big money on players. As of now, the Reds have spent over £250 million in the summer transfer window and have acquired the services of eight exciting players. Two of them are Milos Karkez and Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool broke the bank to sign midfielder Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and made a club record by spending £116 million on the player. They got Milos Kerkez at £40 million from Bournemouth. Both players are proven and are expected to enhance Liverpool’s capabilities multifold.
Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez thrilled to join Liverpool
Ahead of the start of the new season, both players engaged in a preview session with JioHotstar and shared their excitement about joining the club.
“I’m thrilled. It’s an honour and a privilege to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world — the biggest in England. I’m truly delighted and excited for the journey ahead.” Kerkez, who will have the duty to fill the big shoes of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the club, said.
The attention then moved to Florian Wirtz, who revealed why he chose Anfield as his next destination.
“I wanted to join a club that I consider among the top three in the world, and for me, Liverpool was one of them. I was really impressed by the people here. The vision they presented, and everything the club had to offer. In the end, deciding to come to Liverpool was an easy choice.”
Stephen Warnock pays tribute to Diogo Jota
Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock was also a part of the segment. Warnock honoured the late Diogo Jota’s legacy and praised the club for retiring his No. 20 shirt. He discussed what the new signings will bring to the table, as Warnock also expressed confidence in Mohamed Salah’s ability to continue delivering goals, citing his hunger and desire as key factors in his success.
“When you think of Diogo Jota, the constant smile he played with is exactly what you want to see from footballers — someone who truly enjoyed every day on the pitch. He never took his football for granted, especially being at Liverpool. Jota understood the struggles he overcame since childhood to reach the very top, and he genuinely appreciated the career he was given. That showed in every single game he played,” he said.
“The ‘Forever 20’ will appear on Liverpool’s shirts, with the club retiring the number as well. This leaves a legacy — it was an incredible gesture from Liverpool Football Club, and the decision has been echoed globally as the right thing to do.”
“What was absolutely vital for Liverpool, knowing they would be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, was figuring out how to replace that creativity. Yes, he is a right-back, but he so often steps into midfield—sometimes a match is flat, and he’s the one who unlocks it with a killer pass or a moment of vision. You need more players like that. With his absence, you recreate that by bringing in someone higher up the pitch who can provide that kind of spark. Frimpong coming in at right-back—I don’t see it as just a traditional right-back role, but more of a utility position. And with Kerkez on the left, I’ve watched him for a couple of years and believe he’s the ideal Liverpool type of player.”
“There will always be questions about whether he can maintain his performance at his age, and if he still has the hunger and desire. But you can already see that he absolutely does. That hunger and desire are what make him elite—one of the best players in world football. No matter how wealthy he is, how well he’s paid, or how well he’s looked after, it’s about delivering week after week. I believe he’ll be back and scoring a hat-trick of goals again.”
Catch all the action from the Premier League 2025-26 season, August 16 onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
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