Florian Wirtz Urged to Join Chelsea by Fernando Morientes

Florian Wirtz has been advised to join Chelsea by former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes, who thinks a reunion with Xabi Alonso could help the 23-year-old get back to his best. Wirtz had an inconsistent campaign for the Reds, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists in 49 appearances after making a £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

What happened?

Wirtz is currently on holiday following Germany's shock early World Cup exit to Paraguay more than a fortnight ago. He is expected to link up with the new head coach Andoni Iraola's squad during the US tour later this month. Amid speculation Alonso - who managed Wirtz at Leverkusen - could pursue a move for the Reds man, Morientes pointed to his own Anfield experience.

Why it matters for Florian Wirtz

Morientes signed for Liverpool from Real Madrid in January 2005 but failed to live up to expectations and left 18 months later after just 12 goals in 61 appearances. He believes Wirtz needs a change of scenery to get back to his best. "I think he himself probably realises he's not quite in the right context, and Xabi Alonso's interest is very interesting for that reason. Why? Because Alonso got performances out of him before, he understands him, he can build a team designed around him too."

What comes next?

Morientes thinks Liverpool will ask for at least what Wirtz cost, but doubts anyone will pay that much. "If he'd shown he was at that level, sure, but with a bit less, maybe 25, 30, even 35% less, I could see them asking for that, because he's a great player." He believes Chelsea might not be willing to pay that much, leaving Liverpool to decide whether to try to get performances out of Wirtz or let him go and let the player be happy somewhere else.

Wirtz's future is uncertain, but one thing is clear - he needs to find his best form again. A reunion with Alonso at Chelsea could be just what he needs to get back on track.