Alexis Mac Allister has already given his verdict on Florian Wirtz request at Liverpool

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Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz has hit a snag, with the Reds’ second bid for the player reportedly rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.

Talks remain ongoing to find a resolution, and there are suggestions Liverpool will return with a third bid for the German that could be a British record transfer fee of €150 million ($171M/£127M).

In that scenario, Wirtz would represent a highly marketable asset for the Reds. He would essentially become the poster boy of the new Arne Slot era. Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Anfield coincided with a commercial push from retail suppliers New Balance, who signed up the Dutchman in January.

Likewise, when Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in 2021, the Red Devils managed to facilitate him regaining the No.7 shirt, which is an essential part of his branding.

Liverpool could face a similar scenario should it sign Wirtz. Journalist Florian Plettenberg states the Bayer Leverkusen star wants to wear the no.10 jersey at the Reds when the deal is completed.

However, that jersey is currently occupied. Alexis Mac Allister holds no.10, the same shirt he wore at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The midfielder inherited it from Sadio Mane when he signed for Liverpool, and taking that shirt was clearly important to Mac Allister two years ago.

(Image: Getty Images)

“I know how important the No.10 is in football,” he told Liverpool’s website when he joined the club.

“I had the possibility to take the no.8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard, of course.

“But I decided for no.10 because I used it a lot of times in Argentina, in Brighton, Under-23s national team as well. It’s a number that I really like and that’s why I chose it.”

Whether Mac Allister would be willing to give it up remains unclear. He has previously worn no.8 at Boca Juniors, but that is currently held by Dominik Szoboszlai.

(Image: Getty Images)

The Argentinian does wear 20 for his international side, which is occupied by Diogo Jota at Liverpool.

Alternatively, Wirtz could be tempted into taking 27, his first shirt at Leverkusen, which is free at Liverpool. However, that may not appeal to the marketing boffins.

No.17, which the Germany star wears for his country, is Curtis Jones’ number at Liverpool.

Other numbers could become available over the summer, particularly no.7 and no.9, should Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez depart Anfield.

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