Florian Wirtz's recovery uncertain as Liverpool eye €40m Schjelderup

Liverpool face uncertainty over Florian Wirtz's recovery as they target Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup for €40 million. The Reds, struggling after Mohamed Salah's departure, are weighing options to bolster their attack ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Why Wirtz's form matters for Liverpool's plans

Florian Wirtz, the German playmaker, is among the players Liverpool hope will regain peak form next season. However, doubts linger about his ability to return to his best after a challenging campaign. With Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak also under scrutiny, Liverpool are exploring alternatives to ensure depth in their squad.

Schjelderup emerges as €40m target

Andreas Schjelderup, the Norwegian winger, has caught Liverpool's eye after his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup. Benfica now demand €40 million for the 21-year-old, a sharp rise from earlier expectations. Schjelderup, who impressed under Jose Mourinho at Benfica, scored 17 goals last season and is seen as a versatile option for the Reds.

Liverpool's transfer strategy under pressure

With Manchester City already spending heavily on Elliott Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, Liverpool must act swiftly. The Reds need to balance sales and signings to fund their ambitions. However, their poor 2025-26 season has left them with a thin squad, complicating their transfer plans.

Schjelderup's potential arrival could ease Liverpool's reliance on Wirtz and others to rediscover their form. Yet, the €40 million price tag adds to the club's financial constraints as they navigate a competitive transfer window.