Manchester City are given a boost in pursuit of ‘£124m-rated’ Florian Wirtz as Bayer Leverkusen CEO admits ‘it will be difficult’ to keep playmaker this summer – with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among his suitors too
- Man City have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
- Recent reports claimed that the 21-year-old had signed a new deal at the BayArena
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Man City have been given a boost as they look to bring Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz to the Etihad next summer.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in world football and played a key role as Xabi Alonso led the club to the first Bundesliga title in the club’s history last season.
Wirtz made 49 appearances for the club in all competitions in 2023/24, while Leverkusen also triumphed in the DFB-Pokal while setting a new European record for their 49-match unbeaten run.
In addition to his exploits at club level, Wirtz also played for Germany at the 2024 European Championship this summer, scoring twice as many as Julian Nagelsmann’s side reached the quarter-finals on home soil.
Wirtz’s impressive performances have led to interest from several top European clubs, with Pep Guardiola in particular being a great admirer.
Leverkusen are determined to hold on to their prize money, which is reportedly valued at £124 million, but a recent development could force the club to reconsider.
Manchester City goalkeeper Florian Wirtz has reportedly failed to agree a deal to extend his contract with Bayer Leverkusen
The 21-year-old playmaker has had a fruitful start to the season for Xabi Alonso’s team
Club CEO Fernando Carro admitted they cannot rule out a sale if a deal is not completed
Reports this month claimed that Wirtz had agreed a deal to extend his stay at the BayArena, but club CEO Fernando Carro revealed that no agreement has yet been reached on the extension.
“I would have been happy if it had been true,” Carro told German newspaper Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.
“The club wants him to stay in Leverkusen at least until the 2026 World Cup, so it makes sense to extend the contract.”
Asked whether the club would consider sanctioning a sale if a deal is not reached, Carro added: “It will be difficult, we have to be honest. It’s not impossible, but it’s not what we want.’
Leverkusen are currently second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich.
In 13 league starts this season, Wirtz has contributed 14 goals, with seven goals and as many assists.
Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the playmaker.
Pep Guardiola is said to see Wirtz as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne has been linked with a move away as his current contract with Etihad expires at the end of the season
Man City are said to view Wirtz as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgium international, now 33, has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions in recent months.
De Bruyne’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season.
The midfielder insisted he had not held any talks about a move this summer and hinted at possible discussions over a new contract with Man City.