Liverpool’s new midfield sensation, Florian Wirtz, will wear the iconic No.7 shirt in the upcoming 2025/26 season, the club has confirmed. The German international inherits the legendary number following the recent departure of Colombian winger Luis Diaz, who has officially completed a move to Bayern Munich.
Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster £116 million transfer has already generated immense excitement among Liverpool fans and football pundits across Europe. Now, the decision to hand him the storied No.7 jersey — previously worn by Anfield greats such as Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez, and Steve McManaman — further emphasizes the high expectations surrounding the 21-year-old.
Wirtz, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign last season under Xabi Alonso, is regarded as one of Europe’s most gifted attacking midfielders. His combination of technical brilliance, vision, and composure in the final third made him a top target for multiple elite clubs, but Liverpool ultimately won the race for his signature.
Diaz’s Departure Opens Door
The No.7 jersey became vacant following Luis Diaz’s departure to German giants Bayern Munich earlier this week. Diaz spent three seasons at Anfield, having joined Liverpool from FC Porto in 2022. Though his time was marked by flashes of brilliance and key contributions, including goals in the Champions League and Premier League, the Colombian opted for a new chapter in the Bundesliga.
Liverpool’s decision to pass on the number to Wirtz is a signal of their intent to build the team around the young German, who will likely play a central role in Jurgen Klopp’s evolving midfield strategy.
New Squad Numbers Revealed
In addition to Wirtz, several of Liverpool’s new summer signings and existing players have been assigned updated squad numbers ahead of the new campaign.
Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez, another high-profile acquisition, has been handed the No.6 jersey, traditionally worn by key defensive figures in the club’s history. Kerkez, signed from AZ Alkmaar, is expected to provide youthful dynamism and defensive solidity on the flanks.
Pacy Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, who also arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, will wear the No.30 shirt. Frimpong’s attacking prowess and overlapping runs were instrumental in Leverkusen’s success last season, and he is expected to compete for a starting role at right-back.
French striker Hugo Ekitike, previously on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from PSG, has been assigned the No.22 shirt. The 22-year-old forward brings a unique blend of physicality and finesse and is tipped to serve as a valuable attacking option off the bench.
Liverpool’s goalkeeping department has also undergone changes. New recruits Giorgi Mamardashvili (from Valencia), Freddie Woodman (from Preston North End), and Hungarian prospect Armin Pecsi have been allocated the numbers 25, 28, and 41 respectively. These signings bolster the Reds’ depth in goal as they look to maintain competition for the No.1 spot.
Young full-back Conor Bradley has opted for the No.12 shirt, signaling his growing status within the senior team. Promising midfielder Trey Nyoni will now wear No.42, reflecting his development and increasing involvement in first-team activities under Klopp.
Liverpool’s Pre-Season Plans
Liverpool will continue their preparations for the upcoming season with two high-profile friendlies against Spanish side Athletic Club. These matches will offer fans a first glimpse of the new-look squad and allow manager Jurgen Klopp to fine-tune tactics ahead of the competitive campaign.
The Reds’ first official test comes next Sunday in the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace. As defending Premier League champions, Liverpool will look to kick off the 2025/26 season on a high note by clinching silverware at Wembley Stadium.
Klopp Building for the Future
Jurgen Klopp’s side is undergoing a calculated transformation following last season’s Premier League triumph. The arrivals of Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong, and Ekitike reflect Liverpool’s long-term vision of rejuvenating the squad with youth and versatility, while also retaining their competitive edge at the top of English and European football.
The German manager has openly praised Wirtz in previous interviews, describing him as “a game-changer with incredible football intelligence.” Klopp is expected to deploy Wirtz as a central figure in his midfield engine room, potentially filling the creative void left by the departure of long-serving playmaker Thiago Alcantara.
Wirtz Embracing the Challenge
Speaking during his official unveiling, Wirtz expressed his delight at joining one of the world’s most iconic clubs and taking on the responsibility of the No.7 shirt.
“It’s a huge honour to wear this number at Liverpool. I know what it means to the fans and the history behind it,” said Wirtz. “I want to bring my best to the pitch every week and help the team win more trophies.”
With his youthful exuberance, technical skill, and now the No.7 jersey on his back, Wirtz is poised to become a central figure in Liverpool’s quest to dominate both domestically and in Europe once again.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Anfield to see how the new signings gel — and whether Wirtz can live up to the legendary lineage of the number he now proudly wears.
