Manchester City’s pursuit of a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne has hit a significant obstacle, with recent developments suggesting that one of their top targets, Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, may not be available this summer. The 21-year-old German playmaker has emerged as a standout talent in European football, drawing the attention of some of the continent’s biggest clubs. However, the future of Wirtz seems increasingly tied to his current club, with Leverkusen making it clear they have no immediate plans to part with their star.
City, who are looking to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s expected departure at the end of the season, have identified Wirtz as a potential candidate to step into the Belgian’s shoes. But as Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, has now revealed, the likelihood of Wirtz moving this summer is looking slim. So, where does that leave City, and how will they plan for the future without the talismanic influence of De Bruyne?
The Rise of Florian Wirtz: A Natural Successor for De Bruyne?
Florian Wirtz’s rise in European football has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 21 years old, the German international has already become one of the most exciting young playmakers on the continent. His performances for Bayer Leverkusen have been instrumental in the club’s recent successes, including their historic Bundesliga title last season. With 35 goal contributions for club and country, Wirtz has proven himself to be a dynamic and versatile attacking midfielder capable of turning a game on its head.
What makes Wirtz particularly appealing to Manchester City is his vision, creativity, and ability to pick a pass—attributes that have made Kevin De Bruyne one of the best playmakers in the world over the past decade. Wirtz’s style of play is comparable to De Bruyne’s, and his ability to change the tempo of a match and dictate play from midfield is something City have been accustomed to since the Belgian’s arrival in 2015.
For City, finding a player who can replicate De Bruyne’s influence on the pitch is a priority. The Belgian has been the focal point of City’s midfield for years, creating countless assists and providing a steady supply of goals from midfield. His unique combination of technical ability, passing range, and leadership has been key to City’s success under Pep Guardiola. As De Bruyne nears the end of his contract, Manchester City has been keen to find a player who can step into the void left by one of the Premier League’s most influential players.
Florian Wirtz has the potential to fill that role, which is why City’s interest in him has been so strong. However, as the latest reports from Leverkusen suggest, the club may not be ready to let go of their prized asset just yet.
Wirtz’s Price Tag: A Stumbling Block for Manchester City
One of the main obstacles to any potential deal for Wirtz is his astronomical asking price. Reports indicate that Bayer Leverkusen are demanding a fee of €150 million (£130 million) for their star midfielder, which is a significant sum, even by today’s inflated transfer market standards. Given the current financial climate and the fierce competition for Wirtz’s signature, the price tag could prove to be a deal-breaker for Manchester City, especially when you consider that other European giants, such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, are also reportedly interested in securing his services.
The idea of paying €150 million for a player who is still just 21 years old and has yet to reach his full potential is a risky proposition for any club. However, for a player as talented as Wirtz, the potential return on investment could be immense. If Wirtz continues to develop at his current rate, he could become one of the best midfielders in the world, making the price tag seem more reasonable in hindsight.
Nevertheless, Manchester City may have to reconsider their pursuit if they feel the financial demands are too steep. Pep Guardiola has worked with some of the most talented players in the world, and City will undoubtedly explore other options if Wirtz proves to be out of their price range.
Leverkusen’s Confidence: Wirtz Likely to Stay
Despite the mounting speculation surrounding Wirtz’s future, Bayer Leverkusen remain confident that their star man will not be leaving the club this summer. In a recent interview, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro made it clear that there is a “very high probability” that Wirtz will stay with the club for the upcoming season. He also highlighted that Wirtz’s contract, which runs until 2026, is not something the club is actively looking to move away from anytime soon.
“We’re planning for the next season with him,” Carro said, reiterating the club’s intent to retain their playmaker. “He feels good here, and we have a contract with him until 2026.”
This statement from Carro is a significant blow to Manchester City and other interested parties who were hoping to secure Wirtz’s signature this summer. With the club’s future seemingly secure for at least another year, Wirtz’s departure may not be on the cards until the next transfer window—if at all.
Leverkusen’s position is understandable. Wirtz is one of the brightest young talents in world football, and losing him would be a major setback for the club. With the Bundesliga title already secured last season, Leverkusen will likely want to build on their success and keep their squad intact for the time being. Wirtz’s value to the team is immense, both on and off the pitch, and his continued development will be key to their ambitions in the coming seasons.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid: Other Suitors for Wirtz
Manchester City is not the only club interested in signing Florian Wirtz. Both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also been linked with the German international, and the competition for his signature could make it even more difficult for City to land him. Bayern Munich, in particular, has been a long-time admirer of Wirtz and has made no secret of their desire to bring the young midfielder to the Allianz Arena.
For Bayern Munich, Wirtz represents the perfect long-term replacement for aging midfield stars such as Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich. With their financial power and strong track record in the transfer market, Bayern will likely be serious contenders for Wirtz’s signature, especially if Leverkusen’s price tag proves too much for City to handle.
Real Madrid, too, is a potential suitor for Wirtz, with the club always on the lookout for the next big talent to join their ranks. The Spanish giants have a history of signing top-level players, and Wirtz could fit into their midfield alongside stars like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. However, Madrid’s interest may be contingent on the future of their current midfielders and their long-term strategy.
Ultimately, Wirtz’s decision may come down to his personal ambitions and which club he feels offers the best environment for his growth as a player. While Manchester City offers the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola and compete at the highest level, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid provide the allure of competing in Europe’s top leagues and winning major titles.
De Bruyne’s Lasting Legacy and City’s Next Steps
As Manchester City grapples with the uncertainty surrounding the future of Kevin De Bruyne, they will need to consider their options carefully. The Belgian maestro has been integral to City’s success over the past decade, and replacing him will not be an easy task. Even though De Bruyne is no longer in his prime, his performances this season, including his stunning free-kick and assist against Crystal Palace, have shown that he still has plenty to offer.
City’s ability to replace a player of De Bruyne’s calibre is one of the biggest challenges the club will face in the near future. While Florian Wirtz represents a promising option, the financial obstacles and competition from other clubs make it uncertain whether he will be the one to fill De Bruyne’s shoes.
If Wirtz does not make the move to Manchester City this summer, the club may need to explore other alternatives. The search for a player capable of replicating De Bruyne’s creative genius will continue, but City’s options are increasingly limited in a market that demands both talent and financial power.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Manchester City and Florian Wirtz?
With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also vying for the services of Florian Wirtz, Manchester City’s pursuit of the 21-year-old playmaker has taken a significant hit. Leverkusen’s insistence on keeping Wirtz for at least another season has complicated City’s plans to replace Kevin De Bruyne. However, with Wirtz’s future uncertain beyond this summer, City may yet have a chance to secure the young talent if they can match Leverkusen’s demands.
For now, Manchester City will have to reassess their strategy and explore other potential targets. Replacing Kevin De Bruyne is no easy task, but with Pep Guardiola at the helm, they will undoubtedly find a way to remain competitive in both domestic and European football.
