Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the Premier League clubs who have spent big money in the summer transfer window ahead of the new 2025-26 season
Joe Cole feels that Florian Wirtz is the signing of the summer in the Premier League, saying that Liverpool‘s acquisition of the Bayer Leverkusen star is a “massive statement”.
The Reds have been the top-flight’s biggest spenders after parting with close to £300million to strengthen Arne Slot‘s team all over the pitch. But their domestic rivals have also invested some serious cash on new players ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
Arsenal spent big on a deal for a striker in Viktor Gyokeres while Manchester United have a new look attack after signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for significant eight-figure sums.
But Cole reckons landing Wirtz – signed for a British record £116m – is the transfer coup of the summer in the Premier League.
“Liverpool have made a massive statement,” Cole told TNT Sports. “When you see a player who can slow the game down like he can when he’s on the ball, he’s absolutely brilliant.
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“I think it’s the signing of the summer. When was the last time Liverpool made a signing like this? For me it’s the statement signing. He’s the best young player in the world and they’ve just spent over £100m to get him. He’s just a natural footballer.
“The more we talk about Liverpool and their new signings, I just can’t see past them for the title now. For me they are the most clear favourites to win the league we’ve had in the last ten years. The best have got better again and they’ve raised the bar.”
Owen Hargreaves joined Cole in signing the praises of Wirtz, who hit double figures for goals and assists in the Bundesliga last term.
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“Florian Wirtz is really unique and that’s probably why they signed him,” he added. “In those tight spaces he’s probably the best in the world and he’s a good finisher as well. He’s learnt to be the focal point and actually get goals and assists.
“As much as he cost, I think people will be surprised by how amazing he is. He just gives Liverpool something different. This kid is very unique.
“The only problem for him is the price-tag because he’s so expensive and people are going to expect crazy numbers, but he will give Liverpool something different.”
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