Liverpool transfer news: Liverpool have reportedly offered Barcelona a swap proposal involving Florian Wirtz and Frenkie de Jong. El Nacional reported on September 22 that Liverpool could send the 23-year-old German attacking midfielder to Barcelona, with De Jong moving to Anfield in return. The report follows criticism of Wirtz under Iraola, while De Jong attracts attention.
Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 for a deal worth up to £116 million, including add-ons. He produced seven goals and 10 assists last season, yet has one assist in five appearances so far. Iraola has continued to defend his contribution, though, and Iraola remains keen to help him adapt.
De Jong has faced an injury problem that has restricted his involvement. Reports have linked Liverpool with the Dutchman. El Nacional’s latest claim connects two high-profile midfielders in an unusual exchange, although the report describes a proposal rather than an agreement.
Liverpool transfer news: Would the Reds really swap Wirtz for De Jong?
For Liverpool, the footballing logic looks difficult to justify right now. Wirtz is 23 and has years to develop within Iraola’s system. His first Liverpool season lacked the numbers expected from such an expensive signing, yet his creative qualities remain. Against Bournemouth, he helped create the move that led to Alexander Isak’s winning goal.
That is significant because Iraola wants energetic football, quick combinations and aggressive movement around the final third. Wirtz can contribute to that structure. His Bundesliga record showed he can produce goals and assists at a high level. Trading him after one difficult adaptation period would leave Liverpool searching for another attacking creator.
De Jong offers a different profile. His press resistance, passing range and ability to carry possession could improve Liverpool’s control from deeper areas. However, his injury history and reported salary would create financial and sporting questions, especially if Liverpool surrendered a 23-year-old asset with strong resale value.
There is another issue. Liverpool spent heavily on Wirtz as a major part of their long-term attack. Iraola has publicly backed him despite criticism, and Liverpool’s wider strategy has favoured sustained squad building rather than short-term fixes. A swap could solve Barcelona’s midfield situation while leaving Liverpool with a different problem.
For now, El Nacional’s claim remains a reported proposal rather than confirmation of advanced negotiations. Liverpool transfer news around Wirtz will attract attention, but the available evidence gives little reason to treat this swap as close.
