The race to sign German sensation Florian Wirtz is intensifying, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich emerging as the primary contenders for the highly sought-after attacking midfielder. However, Bayer Leverkusen are making every effort to ensure their prized asset remains at the club beyond this summer.
Wirtz’s Rise to Stardom
Wirtz has been one of the most exciting young talents in European football, enjoying a phenomenal 2023-24 season that solidified his reputation. The 21-year-old was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title triumph—their first-ever league championship—while also helping the club secure the German Cup and reach the Europa League final. Across all competitions, he registered an impressive 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances, earning him the Bundesliga Player of the Year award.
Despite attracting serious interest from elite clubs last summer, Wirtz opted to stay at Leverkusen, believing in the club’s project under manager Xabi Alonso. His decision paid off as he played a crucial role in their domestic dominance.
This season, even while recovering from an ankle injury, the German international has maintained his high standards, contributing 15 goals and 13 assists in 39 matches. His performances continue to reinforce his status as one of the most promising young playmakers in world football.
City and Bayern Lead the Chase
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has provided the latest update on Wirtz’s future, revealing that Manchester City and Bayern Munich are the two clubs leading the race for his signature. While Real Madrid had previously been linked, the Spanish giants appear to have cooled their interest, making it increasingly likely that Wirtz will end up at either the Etihad Stadium or the Allianz Arena.
The attacking midfielder now faces a crucial decision—whether to extend his stay at Leverkusen by signing a new long-term contract or push for a move to a bigger club this summer. According to reports, Leverkusen expect him to make a final decision soon.
If City and Bayern enter formal negotiations, Leverkusen will demand a substantial transfer fee, with the German club valuing Wirtz between €120-130 million (£109m/$140m).
Leverkusen’s Fight to Keep Wirtz
Leverkusen are not prepared to let their star player leave without a fight. The club is working hard to convince Wirtz to commit his future to them, at least for another season. Plettenberg reports that Leverkusen have already prepared a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2028.
Interestingly, the proposed new deal is expected to include a release clause set for the summer of 2026. The exact amount of the clause remains unknown, but it would provide Wirtz with a structured pathway to eventually move on while allowing Leverkusen to benefit financially.
City’s Plan: Wirtz as the Heir to De Bruyne
Manchester City’s long-term interest in Wirtz has been well-documented. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs recently confirmed to TEAMtalk that City are seriously pursuing the German playmaker. While Bayern Munich were initially seen as the frontrunners, Pep Guardiola’s side have emerged as strong competitors in the race.
City view Wirtz as the ideal successor to club legend Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder, who has been pivotal to City’s dominance over the past decade, is now being linked with a potential departure.
San Diego FC sporting director Tyler Heaps recently admitted that he has held discussions with De Bruyne regarding a free transfer to MLS this summer. However, Heaps expressed concern over whether San Diego could meet the 32-year-old’s significant wage demands.
With De Bruyne potentially on his way out, Guardiola sees Wirtz as the perfect creative force to take over the No. 10 role at City. The German’s vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability make him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system.
Other Transfer Developments at City
While City focus on securing Wirtz, there are also movements in their defensive ranks. Reports from Spain indicate that City defender Manuel Akanji has been offered to Real Madrid. The Swiss international is reportedly seeking a fresh challenge and is intrigued by the idea of playing for the La Liga giants.
What’s Next for Wirtz?
As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Wirtz is expected to heat up. If he chooses to leave Leverkusen, City and Bayern will likely engage in an intense bidding war to secure his services. On the other hand, if he commits to a new contract, Leverkusen will have successfully retained their talisman for at least another season.
For now, all eyes remain on Wirtz as he weighs up his next move, knowing that his decision could shape the future of not only his own career but also the clubs vying for his signature.
