Pep Guardiola Eyes £94m German Star as “Perfect” Heir to De Bruyne
Manchester City have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with Pep Guardiola identifying the 21-year-old as the ideal long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Premier League champions are prepared to break the bank for the German playmaker, with Leverkusen demanding a fee in the region of £94m (€110m). According to Fichajes, City have already initiated contact and are ready to meet the asking price, positioning themselves as frontrunners in a transfer battle that also includes Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.
Why Wirtz? Guardiola’s “Great Desire”
Wirtz has been one of Europe’s most exciting young talents since breaking through under Xabi Alonso, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last season. Despite Leverkusen’s slight dip this campaign, the German international has maintained his elite production, contributing 28 goals and assists in 41 appearances.
Guardiola sees him as a seamless fit for City’s system—a creative force capable of dictating play much like De Bruyne did for nearly a decade. With the Belgian legend departing this summer, the Etihad hierarchy views Wirtz as a cornerstone for their next era.
Competition & Complications
While Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White remains an alternative (and cheaper) option, Wirtz is City’s top priority. However, Leverkusen are reluctant to sell and could demand up to £128m (€150m) if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
City’s newly appointed sporting director, Hugo Viana, is said to be playing a key role in negotiations, assuring Wirtz of a starring role in Guardiola’s plans. The player himself is reportedly intrigued by a Premier League move, giving the English champions an edge over rival suitors.
What’s Next?
If City succeed, Wirtz would become one of the most expensive signings in their history—and a statement of intent as they prepare for life after De Bruyne. But with Bayern and Madrid lurking, this transfer saga is far from over.
One thing is certain: Guardiola is determined to make Wirtz the centerpiece of his new-look midfield. Will Leverkusen stand firm, or will City’s ambition—and financial muscle—seal the deal? The coming weeks could define their summer.
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