Liverpool talks for Kevin De Bruyne emerge as Man City parting shot fired
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, but it has now emerged that they had an alternative target in mind.
Wirtz has joined for a club record fee from Bayer Leverkusen, having chosen Liverpool over other clubs including Manchester City.
Liverpool have moved quickly to strengthen their midfield options, and Wirtz also comes with the benefit that he can play in the front three.
It has now emerged that aside from Wirtz, Liverpool explored a deal to sign Kevin De Bruyne, and there was a significant reason behind these talks.
Liverpool spoke to De Bruyne
De Bruyne established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League over the last decade, but has now departed Man City to join Napoli.
While City did not offer De Bruyne a new deal, the midfielder held the belief that he was ready to continue playing at a high level, and was not interested in leaving European football.
The Athletic (24 June) have now reported that Liverpool held conversations with De Bruyne’s camp over a move before he agreed to join Napoli.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 28 | 4 | 7 |
It is unclear who initiated the talks, and whether De Bruyne would have been willing to join, but the signing of Wirtz meant this never got off the ground.
The talks may have been motivated by a desire for De Bruyne to prove Man City wrong about his ability to compete at the top now, and helping Liverpool beat them to trophies would have been a huge shot at the club where he is now a legend.
De Bruyne to Liverpool always unlikely
De Bruyne joining Liverpool was always unlikely to happen given the rivalry with Man City in recent years, and given that he wanted to be a starter, he would not have joined alongside Wirtz.
Liverpool’s exploratory interest in De Bruyne may be worrying for Dominik Szoboszlai, whose starting spot is already in jeopardy following the arrival of Wirtz.
The Belgian has now joined Napoli as a key signing, whereas he may not have been willing to take a squad role at Liverpool or elsewhere, and even without Wirtz, he would have had plenty of competition for a place at Anfield.