Collymore, who was signed by Liverpool for a club-record transfer fee of £8.5m in 1995, expressed his concerns about the club's approach. He believes that Liverpool traditionally develops players, rather than signing big-name stars. Collymore understands that fans may be excited about the prospect of signing Wirtz, but he worries that it may not be the right approach for the club.
Collymore pointed out that big, blockbuster signings, like those made by Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City, often don't work out. He compared the situation to the signing of Alberto Aquilani, who was heavily hyped before playing a game for Liverpool. Collymore hopes that if Wirtz joins the club, he will be treated like any other player and allowed to develop without excessive pressure.
Collymore believes that Wirtz's arrival at Liverpool could be seen as a statement by the club, indicating their ambition to compete with Europe's top teams. However, he hopes that the club can manage Wirtz's transition carefully, allowing him to settle in and become one of the team without making it all about him.
Collymore's comments highlight the challenges that Liverpool may face in integrating Wirtz into the team and managing his expectations. The club must carefully consider the impact of such a significant signing on the player and the team as a whole.