Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes Liverpool should consider exchanging Florian Wirtz for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, insisting the Brazilian would thrive at Anfield. Wirtz has struggled since joining the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen, with no goals or assists across 11 league appearances.

The forward has missed Liverpool‘s last two games due to a muscle problem but may rejoin Arne Slot‘s squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham. Should he feature, whether he’ll be in the starting XI remains uncertain given the scrutiny over his displays. Meanwhile, Mendieta has proposed that Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso might be able to revitalise Wirtz’s fortunes, given their successful partnership at Leverkusen.

Wirtz enjoyed five years at the German club, three of those under the Spaniard’s guidance.

“Florian Wirtz and Vinicius Junior in a swap deal, why not? Honestly, why not?,” Mendieta told Casinostugan. “I see more obviously of Florian Wirtz at Real Madrid than Vinicius Junior at Liverpool right now, but I think a swap deal could suit them.

“We’ve seen it before, when a coach has a soft spot for a player, and they know they can get the best out of him, they want to work with that player again.

“He was a leader at Leverkusen and although there are a lot of what ifs, we’ve seen it before. The question at Real Madrid would be what position he would play and who he would replace.

“They already have a problem with the players that they have: Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, so I think it’s crowded, especially in midfield.

“But we’ve seen how players and coaches have crossed paths again in the future, so who knows. Vinicius Junior could be a big success in the Premier League with the right support.

“When I mean support, I mean a club having faith in him, obviously he’s a fantastic player. The Premier League has a physical side, he’s obviously a strong player.

“I could see him having success. I would love to see Vinicius Junior in the Premier League. I think it would be a fantastic challenge for himself as a player.”

Vini Junior’s future has become one of the most discussed topics at Real Madrid in recent months.

According to The Athletic, negotiations over a fresh contract have hit an impasse and the ‘picture has become complicated’.

Reports have indicated his relationship with Alonso has remained ‘strained’ which could influence his decision. The Brazilian winger remains under contract until the summer of 2027.