Man City identify Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement as Premier League giants target summer bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
In a recent press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed the club’s plans to rejuvenate their midfield, highlighting the pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne, who will turn 34 in June, has been a pivotal figure at the Etihad since his arrival in 2015. However, with his contract set to expire shortly and recent injury challenges affecting his performance, Guardiola emphasized the necessity of planning for the future. “Kevin has been instrumental to our success, but we must prepare for the next chapter,” Guardiola stated.
Florian Wirtz, the 21-year-old German international, has garnered significant attention due to his outstanding performances for Bayer Leverkusen. This season, Wirtz has contributed 27 goals and assists, underscoring his potential as a top-tier playmaker. Guardiola expressed admiration for Wirtz’s abilities, noting, “Florian possesses exceptional talent and vision; he aligns with our style of play.”
The pursuit of Wirtz is not without competition. Real Madrid has also shown keen interest in the young midfielder, and Bayern Munich, under the leadership of former City captain Vincent Kompany, may enter the fray. Leverkusen is eager to retain Wirtz, whose contract extends for two more years, but substantial offers could influence their stance.
When questioned about the financial implications, Guardiola acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Quality comes at a price, but we are prepared to invest in the future of this club.” Reports suggest that securing Wirtz’s services could require a bid exceeding £85 million.
As Manchester City prepares for a crucial Champions League encounter against Real Madrid, the club’s focus remains on immediate objectives. However, Guardiola’s comments make it clear that strategic planning for the squad’s evolution is well underway, with Florian Wirtz featuring prominently in those plans.
