Liverpool star told to impress Iraola soon or be sold as Chelsea eye move

Liverpool face their biggest exam of the Andoni Iraola era when Man City visit Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds remain unbeaten in the league, but two victories and three draws have left them sixth and six points behind leaders City.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Enzo Maresca’s side have won all five of their league games and will arrive on Merseyside knowing another victory would open a nine point gap over Liverpool, but they come in on the back of an unprecedented scandal after being found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial breaches.

Liverpool can close the distance with a statement win of their own, although Iraola’s preparations have been badly disrupted by injuries.

Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have both been ruled out after returning from international duty with problems.

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Hugo Ekitike is also unavailable, leaving Liverpool without three established centre-forward options for the weekend’s biggest fixture.

Lewis Koumas could be handed an opportunity, while Bradley Barcola is capable of moving into the middle. Iraola could also use Florian Wirtz as a false nine or give the German freedom behind a makeshift striker.

Whatever the solution, Liverpool need Wirtz to become far more influential.

The playmaker endured another quiet performance in the narrow victory at Bournemouth before the international break. Liverpool collected the points, but Wirtz again struggled to take control of the game or consistently create openings around the penalty area.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Sunday offers him the perfect stage on which to change the mood.

A strong display against City would remind everyone why Liverpool committed a club record package worth up to £116 million to sign him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, but another frustrating afternoon would only bring further questions.

Those questions are now beginning to extend beyond his place in the starting eleven.

Florian Wirtz told he needs to impress Andoni Iraola or be sold by Liverpool

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

CaughtOffside’s Mark Brus reports that Wirtz is coming under increasing pressure to prove himself to Iraola, with sources claiming he needs to impress soon or face being sold.

The Liverpool boss could reportedly face a major decision if the 23-year-old fails to make a bigger impact soon, with a future sale no longer being dismissed.

Chelsea are said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Bayern Munich, Barca and Real Madrid have also been named among the major European clubs watching for any sign that Liverpool could become open to offers.

Chelsea’s interest would be particularly intriguing because of Xabi Alonso.

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Wirtz produced the finest football of his career under the current Blues boss at Leverkusen, becoming the creative heartbeat of Alonso’s side.

A reunion at Stamford Bridge would therefore have an obvious attraction if Liverpool ever decided to cut their losses.

Iraola has publicly defended Wirtz and argued that his value cannot be measured only through goals and assists. The manager has praised his effort and tactical contribution, suggesting he remains determined to unlock the player Liverpool thought they were buying.

However, faith at an elite club is rarely unconditional.

Wirtz carries a huge price tag, has already had a full season to adjust to English football and now needs to turn flashes of quality into regular match-winning performances.

Sunday represents a chance to move the story back towards football.

With Isak, Gakpo and Ekitike missing, Iraola needs somebody to take responsibility in attack. If Wirtz can deliver against City, talk of Chelsea and a possible Anfield exit may suddenly feel far less urgent.