Published: 17:38, 29 September 2025 | Updated: 17:39, 29 September 2025

Wayne Rooney has claimed that Florian Wirtz ‘damages’ Liverpool, following the £116 million signing’s struggles to adapt to the Premier League.

Wirtz arrived amid huge expectations after completing a dazzling, record-breaking move to the champions this summer.

The midfielder had reached extraordinary heights at Bayer Leverkusen, orchestrating play in the centre of the pitch as the German side went unbeaten to win their first Bundesliga title in 2023–24. 

However, the 22-year-old has so far underwhelmed in England’s top flight.

Wirtz was surprisingly named on the bench for the Merseyside derby at Anfield, which Liverpool edged 2–1 after a tense finale.

Restored to the starting line-up for the trip to Selhurst Park, he endured another frustrating display, missing a clear chance when he fired straight at Dean Henderson from five yards out. He was substituted in the 74th minute for Federico Chiesa as Arne Slot’s side pushed for a winner.

He was substituted in the 74th minute for Federico Chiesa as Arne Slot’s side pushed for a winner.

The German remains without a...