In the high-stakes world of football transfers, Manchester City have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s 21-year-old superstar, Florian Wirtz, a player Pep Guardiola envisions as the perfect successor to the legendary Kevin De Bruyne. The Premier League champions have received a significant boost in their pursuit, as Bayern Munich, one of their primary rivals for Wirtz’s signature, have stumbled upon a formidable obstacle. With the summer transfer window looming, City’s ambition to secure one of Europe’s most coveted talents is gaining momentum, promising a transformative addition to their squad.
Wirtz, the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24, has been a revelation at Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in their historic unbeaten league and DFB-Pokal double last season. His dazzling performances—15 goals and 12 assists in 35 matches this season alone—have made him a target for Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Manchester City, however, have long prioritized the German attacking midfielder, with Guardiola identifying him as the ideal candidate to fill the creative void left by De Bruyne, whose contract expires in 2025 and who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS. “To sign Wirtz, Manchester City bosses would have to pay one hundred million euros (£83m), to which must also be added a percentage linked to the capital gain in the event of a future sale,” a report indicated, underscoring the financial complexity of the deal.
Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Wirtz has hit a significant roadblock, described as their “biggest hurdle” yet. Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, is deeply reluctant to sell to a direct Bundesliga competitor known for poaching Germany’s brightest talents. “Bayern will have to put on a huge charm offensive to get Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro to sell to them,” insiders noted, highlighting Carro’s preference to negotiate with foreign clubs like City or Real Madrid. This stance has tilted the scales in City’s favor, as Carro would rather see Wirtz shine abroad than bolster a domestic rival. Despite Bayern’s positive talks with Wirtz’s father, who represents the player, the family’s openness to opportunities in England or Spain further strengthens City’s position.
City’s interest in Wirtz is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad after a disappointing 2025 Premier League campaign, where they sit sixth, 21 points behind leaders Liverpool. The potential departure of De Bruyne, coupled with the exits of Kyle Walker and Mateo Kovacic, has prompted Guardiola to target high-impact signings. Wirtz’s versatility, technical brilliance, and ability to unlock defenses with intricate passes make him a natural fit for City’s possession-based style. “Wirtz’s qualities would make him an instant mainstay in this City side,” a scouting report noted, praising his ability to create space and opportunities for teammates through intelligent movement.
The financial aspect of the deal remains a hurdle, but City are well-positioned to meet Leverkusen’s demands. Leverkusen are seeking €150 million (£128m) for Wirtz, though a new contract with a €125 million (£107m) release clause is under discussion. City’s willingness to include a sell-on clause could sweeten the deal, ensuring Leverkusen benefit from any future transfer. “Wirtz is debating whether to sign a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen or push through a blockbuster transfer to one of Europe’s truly elite clubs this summer,” sources close to the player revealed, indicating his openness to a move.
As City prepare for their FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest, the prospect of Wirtz joining their ranks adds excitement to their rebuild. His arrival could elevate players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, creating a new attacking dynamic. While Real Madrid remain in the race, their focus on other targets, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, may dilute their efforts. For Guardiola, securing Wirtz would be a statement of intent, signaling City’s determination to reclaim their dominance in England and Europe. With Bayern’s path blocked and Wirtz’s star continuing to rise, Manchester City are poised to land a generational talent who could define their future.
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