Manchester City are currently focused on bolstering their squad for the summer of 2025, with one of their primary targets being Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. Despite having already spent around £200 million during the January transfer window, the Premier League champions are eager to continue strengthening their squad.
Pep Guardiola, in particular, is keen to add a world-class attacking midfielder to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who is reaching the end of his cycle at the club. De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro, has been integral to City’s success since 2015 but is now 33 and reportedly receiving major offers from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. Guardiola’s decision to pursue Wirtz highlights his desire to prepare for the future and secure a new playmaker who can maintain the team’s high standards.
Florian Wirtz, 21, has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in European football due to his exceptional performances at Bayer Leverkusen. Since joining the club in 2020, the German international has become one of the Bundesliga’s most creative and impactful attacking midfielders. Wirtz has been involved in 27 goals this season, with 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, further cementing his reputation as a rising star. His impressive statistics and playing style have attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester City.
Real Madrid, long known for their pursuit of the world’s best talent, have also shown a keen interest in Wirtz. As part of their ongoing effort to assemble a new “Galacticos” team, Madrid are hoping to secure the services of the Leverkusen playmaker. This puts them in direct competition with City, as both clubs aim to land one of the hottest properties in European football. Madrid’s allure, particularly the prospect of playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, is a major factor in Wirtz’s decision-making process. As the Spanish and European champions, Real Madrid offer a prestigious platform for the midfielder to continue his development.
Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, are facing a significant challenge in keeping hold of their star player. Wirtz has a release clause of £115 million in his contract, which has further fueled speculation about his future. With such a hefty price tag, the club is likely to have a tough time turning down any potential offers from elite clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid. However, Bayer will likely push for the highest possible price and could try to negotiate favorable terms to retain their prized asset.
In addition to Manchester City and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in Wirtz. The Bavarian giants have long been a dominant force in German football, and their interest in Wirtz is no surprise, given the midfielder’s role in helping Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title last season. Bayern will be keen to keep Wirtz in Germany, where he would be a valuable asset in their quest for continued success both domestically and in Europe.
Despite this, it seems that Bayern Munich may not be able to land Wirtz without significant competition. According to sources, while Bayern has expressed strong interest, other clubs are making it clear they want the player. Manchester City, for example, view Wirtz as an ideal long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, someone who can fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s possession-based, attacking system. City’s financial power and ability to offer a competitive contract could give them an edge in the race for the midfielder.
In terms of other targets, Manchester City have also been linked with Xavi Simons, the talented young playmaker from RB Leipzig. Simons has impressed many this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 19 matches. The Dutch international is regarded as one of the most promising attacking midfielders in Europe, and City are reportedly willing to compete with rivals like Manchester United for his signature. Guardiola sees Simons as a potential replacement for De Bruyne, as he could offer a similar blend of creativity and vision in the middle of the park.
Alongside these midfield targets, Manchester City is also reportedly keeping an eye on other key players across Europe. TEAMtalk’s sources have revealed that Guardiola has shown interest in Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson. The versatile star has been a standout performer in Serie A, and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has caught the attention of Premier League clubs. Manchester City’s main rivals, including Manchester United and Liverpool, are also reportedly monitoring Ederson’s situation, making him a hot prospect in the transfer market.
As for the current season, Manchester City’s recent 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout round playoff has brought additional attention to the team. Despite a stellar performance from City’s midfielder Rodri, who had been named Ballon d’Or winner, the match was marked by a fiery encounter between the players and fans. Vinicius Junior, who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s win, had a notable response to the banner from City’s supporters mocking him. The Brazilian forward, who has enjoyed a breakout season, showed resilience in his performance, providing an assist for Jude Bellingham’s winning goal.
Vinicius addressed the taunting banner after the match, stating that it motivated him to perform at his best. His response reflected the mentality of Real Madrid, a club with a rich history in the Champions League, where the pressure of big moments often brings out the best in players. Despite City’s loss, Guardiola’s team is expected to bounce back and remain in contention for the Champions League title, with several more matches to come.
Manchester City’s transfer ambitions for the summer reflect the ongoing strategic planning by Guardiola and the club’s leadership. While they have already spent heavily in January, the club remains intent on securing the best talent available in the market. The pursuit of Florian Wirtz, in particular, shows their desire to replace aging stars like De Bruyne and prepare for the future. With interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, City faces stiff competition, but their financial resources and the pull of playing under Guardiola could prove decisive in landing their targets.
Looking beyond Wirtz, Manchester City’s recruitment efforts will continue to focus on players who can elevate the squad to even greater heights. With De Bruyne’s future uncertain, the arrival of a top-class attacking midfielder like Wirtz would be a major step forward in ensuring the club remains competitive both domestically and in Europe. Guardiola’s emphasis on maintaining a high level of quality and consistency within his squad is evident, as City looks to continue their dominance in the Premier League and pursue another Champions League title.
In conclusion, the battle for Florian Wirtz will be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer. Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all vying for the talented midfielder, whose release clause makes him an expensive but highly coveted target. Guardiola’s desire to replace De Bruyne and disrupt Real Madrid’s plans makes Wirtz an ideal candidate for City, but the competition will be fierce. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations, with clubs looking to secure their next big signing. For now, Manchester City remains committed to their pursuit of Wirtz, while the player himself will weigh his options and consider the best future for his career.
