Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as his ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract is set to expire this summer. Wirtz, a 21-year-old German international, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional performances in the Bundesliga and on the international stage.
This season, Wirtz has been in outstanding form, contributing 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances for Leverkusen. His impressive display at last summer’s European Championship, where he netted two goals for Germany, further elevated his profile.
However, securing Wirtz’s services will be a significant financial undertaking for Manchester City. Bayer Leverkusen, recognizing the midfielder’s value, has set a substantial asking price. Reports suggest that the transfer fee could be around €150 million (£125 million).
Given De Bruyne’s injury history and the approaching end of his contract, Guardiola is keen to reinforce his midfield options. Wirtz’s technical skills, vision, and versatility make him a fitting candidate to fill the void that De Bruyne’s potential departure would create.
While Manchester City is prepared to make a substantial investment, they may face competition from other European giants. Bayern Munich has also expressed interest in Wirtz, with the club’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, advocating for his acquisition. However, Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has downplayed these speculations, emphasizing satisfaction with the current squad.
As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City can negotiate a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to bring Wirtz to the Etihad Stadium. The potential acquisition would not only signal a significant investment but also a strategic move to maintain the club’s competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.
