Florian Wirtz: Manchester City’s £100m Midfield Gamble in Post-De Bruyne Era

Wirtz Identified as De Bruyne’s Heir

Manchester City are ready to enter another summer transfer saga, this time with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz in their crosshairs. The Mirror reports that Pep Guardiola’s side have made the 21-year-old German international their top target, as Kevin De Bruyne prepares to leave the club at the end of the season. City have opted not to renew the Belgian’s deal, reportedly because of their belief that they can secure Wirtz—regardless of the Bundesliga champions’ reluctance, report The Mirror.

“City are ready to spend whatever it takes to rebuild Guardiola’s squad after committing more than £170million on three new players during the winter transfer window,” the report states. “Wirtz is the No 1 target after the Etihad club decided against handing De Bruyne a new deal.”

Hugo Viana’s First Test in New Role

Incoming director of football Hugo Viana—set to replace Txiki Begiristain—is expected to spearhead the negotiations with Leverkusen. The former Sporting Lisbon man inherits a lofty first assignment, similar in scope to when City activated Jack Grealish’s £100m release clause in 2021. As per the Mirror, “Viana will be tasked with making the deal happen – and will be armed with enough cash to tempt Leverkusen.”

If City match or exceed the £100m fee reportedly required, they’ll also offer Wirtz a considerable bump on his current £73,000-a-week salary. It’s a declaration of intent from Guardiola and City’s hierarchy, who are planning their next midfield evolution with bold decisiveness.

Transfer Tug-of-War with Bundesliga Giants

Leverkusen’s hand isn’t entirely free. Wirtz is under contract until 2027, but the club are pushing for a two-year extension with a £125m release clause—while his advisers favour a clause nearer £85m post-World Cup. Bayern Munich are also interested, although City reportedly believe Leverkusen would prefer their star to exit German football entirely.

“Wirtz’s deal in Leverkusen still has two years to run – but the club are desperate to convince him to sign a new contract with both City and Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich circling.”

Xabi Alonso’s side may struggle to resist the financial muscle of English champions, particularly after a string of disappointing recent results that include Champions League and German Cup exits.

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