Manchester City are setting their sights on Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, with reports from Spain suggesting that the Premier League champions are preparing a club-record bid for the German playmaker. Their pursuit of Wirtz comes after City’s unsuccessful attempts to lure Jude Bellingham away from Real Madrid, with the England international making it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Defensa Central, City are willing to table an offer of €150 million (£125 million, $162 million) to bring Wirtz to the Etihad. If completed, this deal would make Wirtz the most expensive signing in the club’s history, surpassing the £100 million spent on Jack Grealish in 2021.
Wirtz’s Rise to Stardom and City’s Interest
Florian Wirtz has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking midfielders. At just 21 years old, he has already made 29 senior appearances for Germany and has been a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s rise under Xabi Alonso. His career stats with the Bundesliga champions are remarkable, boasting 56 goals and 63 assists in 191 appearances.
Last season, Wirtz played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga triumph, helping them dethrone Bayern Munich with an incredible campaign. His technical ability, creativity, and composure in the final third have made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.
TEAMtalk insider Ben Jacobs reported in March that while Manchester City admire Wirtz, it is Bayern Munich who are leading the race for his signature. Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has described Wirtz as an “incredible” player with a unique blend of South American flair and German efficiency.
However, City’s willingness to break the bank for Wirtz could tilt the scales in their favor. Sources indicate that the attacking midfielder is interested in a move to the Etihad and is keen to work under Pep Guardiola, giving the club a significant advantage in negotiations.
Why City Turned to Wirtz After Bellingham’s Snub
Despite Guardiola’s insistence on pursuing Jude Bellingham, City’s management quickly realized that the England midfielder is not open to leaving Real Madrid. Bellingham, who won LaLiga and the Champions League in his debut season with Madrid, has always dreamed of playing for Los Blancos and remains committed to his long-term future at the club.
This rejection forced City to look elsewhere for a marquee signing, with Wirtz emerging as their primary target. TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has reported that City intend to sell Jack Grealish in the summer window to generate funds for Wirtz’s transfer, further strengthening their position in negotiations.
Bayern’s Involvement and a Potential Bidding War
While City have an edge due to Wirtz’s admiration for Guardiola, Bayern Munich remain strong contenders for the midfielder’s signature. The German champions are determined to secure the best domestic talents, and with Wirtz being a proven Bundesliga star, they are expected to put up stiff competition.
Leverkusen, aware of Wirtz’s soaring market value, are likely to encourage a bidding war to maximize their financial gain. If Bayern engage in negotiations, City might need to increase their bid beyond the reported €150 million to finalize the deal.
City’s Interest in Jeremie Frimpong and Defensive Reinforcements
In addition to Wirtz, Manchester City are also monitoring Jeremie Frimpong, another Bayer Leverkusen star who has flourished in the Bundesliga. Frimpong, a former City academy player, left the club for Celtic before establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dynamic right-backs at Leverkusen.
TEAMtalk has revealed that Liverpool are also in the race for Frimpong, with the Reds considering him as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is rumored to be joining Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. Spanish reports indicate that City made a last-minute attempt to convince Alexander-Arnold to reject Madrid, but the England defender remained firm in his decision.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Future and River Plate’s Ambitious Move
Meanwhile, Manchester City could be set to lose another midfield star, as reports suggest that Kevin De Bruyne may leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Argentine powerhouse River Plate have been urged to sign De Bruyne, with former River striker Carlos Morete calling for the club to make a move for the Belgian playmaker. Speaking to the media, Morete emphasized that De Bruyne’s availability on a free transfer presents a rare opportunity for River Plate to sign a world-class talent.
“He’s 33 years old, you pay him $20 million (£15.5m, €18.5m) a year, and he’ll make you a champion,” Morete stated. “Go check out his physical condition. He’s a real star and still has plenty to offer.”
While a move to Argentina seems unlikely for De Bruyne, his potential departure would mark the end of an era for one of City’s greatest-ever players, adding another layer of intrigue to the club’s summer transfer business.
Conclusion: A Defining Summer for Manchester City
Manchester City are preparing for a major squad reshuffle this summer, with Florian Wirtz emerging as their top transfer priority after missing out on Jude Bellingham. Their €150 million bid signals their intent to land a generational talent, but competition from Bayern Munich could complicate matters.
With Jack Grealish potentially on his way out and Jeremie Frimpong also on their radar, Guardiola’s side could look very different next season. Additionally, the uncertain future of Kevin De Bruyne adds another dynamic to City’s summer plans.
If City successfully secure Wirtz, it could mark the beginning of a new attacking era at the Etihad, ensuring their dominance in English and European football continues.
