New Delhi: Pep Guardiola already seems to be planning for the following season as Manchester City are preparing for a major squad revamp, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has emerged as a prime target. The 21-year-old German playmaker has been in scintillating form over the past two seasons, helping Leverkusen break Bayern Munich’s 11-year Bundesliga dominance while also cementing his place in Germany’s national team.
With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract situation still unresolved and the Belgian entering the twilight of his career, City see Wirtz as the perfect successor to take over the creative mantle in midfield. According to reports from The Daily Mail, City face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with Leverkusen expected to demand at least £85 million for their star midfielder.
Pep Guardiola has identified Florian Wirtz as Kevin De Bruyne’s successor, according to reports 🧙♂️ pic.twitter.com/REuIZwJDR7
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2025
Some sources in Germany even suggest a price tag closer to £125 million, which would set a new English transfer record, with the current one being held by Enzo Fernandez when he joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million . However, having already spent around £170 million in the January transfer window on players such as Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, City appear ready to continue their aggressive recruitment strategy.
Pep Guardiola is determined to refresh his squad after a below-par 2024/25 campaign, and midfield remains a key area of concern. Kevin De Bruyne, now 33, has struggled with injuries and his minutes have been carefully managed. While a contract extension remains possible, City are keen to plan for the future, and Wirtz fits the profile of an elite young playmaker who could thrive under Guardiola’s guidance.
Competition from Real Madrid & Bayern Munich
Despite City’s interest, securing Wirtz’s signature will be no easy task. They face stiff competition from a number of top European clubs with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at the forefront. Madrid are known admirers of the midfielder as they look to bolster their already stacked squad. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have publicly declared their intention to sign him, with the Bavarians keen to unite Wirtz with his international teammate Musiala.
Wirtz has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s remarkable rise under Xabi Alonso, playing a crucial role in their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last season, as well as their deep Europa League run. With 18 goals and 20 assists in 2023/24, followed by another 26 goal involvements this campaign, the German international has demonstrated his ability to influence games at the highest level.
🚨 Manchester City are set to go head-to-head with Real Madrid again this summer in a battle for £85m-rated Florian Wirtz.
(Source: @TheSunFootball) pic.twitter.com/3YZjUZvNTx
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 18, 2025
With Madrid looming around Xabi Alonso to become the club’s next manager, the Spaniard’s decision to return to his former club might give the edge to Los Blancos in this race. On the other hand, Bayern Munich have a long history of attracting young German talents to their side and could do so once again with Wirtz. They already have Jamal Musiala in their ranks and he partners extremely well with Wirtz for the national team, something which Bayern could look to recreate.
Leverkusen, however, hold the upper hand in negotiations. With Wirtz under contract and the club competing at the highest level, they are in no rush to sell unless an exceptional offer comes in. Reports indicate that any potential deal could exceed £100 million, which would require City to break their transfer record. As City prepare for a crucial summer, the race for Wirtz will be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas to watch.
Manchester City seem to bracing themselves for the departure of star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract is up at the end of the season and have identified German sensation Florian Wirtz as his replacement. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
