We're not English, we're Scouse - but homegrown rules mean Liverpool need to manage squad

FLORIAN WIRTZ represents the latest and most expensive step in a midfield rebuild started by Jurgen Klopp and now continued by Arne Slot.

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

But when Liverpool were first initially assessing their options two years ago, the landscape was significantly different.

Alexis Mac Allister had already been brought on board but otherwise the Reds were scouring the market to determine how best to refresh the engine room, with the UEFA European Under-21 Championships considered fertile ground for identifying the next generation.

A number of targets were tracked. But in the end it emerged the tournament's best midfielder, and the one who netted the winner in the final, was already on Liverpool's books.

Curtis Jones has subsequently established himself in the senior England squad - playing in the most recent games against Andorra and Senegal earlier this month - with his versatility meaning he made approaching 50 appearances for the Reds during a season in which they claimed the Premier League title.

Wirtz’s progress was such that, even aged just 20, he had already made the step up from the Germany U21 side ahead of that tournament in 2023 and was a regular in the full national team squad.