As Manchester City prepares for a future without Kevin De Bruyne, head coach Pep Guardiola has identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a potential successor. The 21-year-old German midfielder has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, and his skill set makes him a perfect candidate to fill De Bruyne’s shoes at the Etihad. With De Bruyne’s contract set to expire after the 2024/25 season, City is actively exploring options to secure a long-term replacement
Kevin De Bruyne has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield since joining the club in 2015. His vision, passing accuracy, and leadership have been instrumental in City’s dominance under Guardiola. However, at 33, the Belgian playmaker is entering the final phase of his career, prompting City to look ahead.
Manchester City first showed interest in Florian Wirtz during the January 2025 transfer window. However, Bayer Leverkusen made it clear that a mid-season transfer was out of the question. Additionally, Wirtz’s high price tag posed a challenge for any potential deal at the time.
Florian Wirtz has been a revelation at Bayer Leverkusen since breaking into the first team as a teenager. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses have drawn comparisons to De Bruyne himself. Some key attributes that make him an ideal replacement include:
Playmaking Ability – Wirtz has an exceptional ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, much like De Bruyne. His quick decision-making and pinpoint passing help his team break down even the most compact defenses.
Versatility – While primarily an attacking midfielder, Wirtz can play across multiple positions, including deeper midfield roles and wide areas, offering Guardiola tactical flexibility.
Technical Excellence – His close control, agility, and dribbling skills make him a difficult player to dispossess, adding another dimension to City’s attacking play.
Goal Contribution – In addition to providing assists, Wirtz has improved his goal-scoring ability, making him a complete attacking threat.
Age and Potential – At just 21, Wirtz is already performing at an elite level, and under Guardiola’s guidance, he has the potential to become one of the world’s best midfielders.
Despite growing interest from Manchester City and other top European clubs, Bayer Leverkusen is keen to keep Wirtz. The club has reportedly initiated contract negotiations to increase his salary from eight million euros to ten million annually. His current deal runs until June 2027, and Leverkusen values him at approximately 140 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.
This valuation, while steep, is not unrealistic given the current transfer market. Manchester City has a history of making significant investments in top-tier talent, and if Guardiola is determined to bring Wirtz to the Etihad, City could be willing to meet Leverkusen’s demands.
Manchester City is not the only club interested in securing Wirtz’s signature. European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona have all been linked with the German star. Former German international Lothar Matthäus has even urged Wirtz to reject Madrid’s advances, suggesting that staying in Germany or moving to City could be a better career move.
If City is serious about signing Wirtz, they will have to move quickly and decisively to outmaneuver their rivals.
Securing Wirtz would signal City’s commitment to maintaining their dominance in English and European football. A seamless transition from De Bruyne to Wirtz would ensure that City continues to play with the same attacking fluidity that has defined Guardiola’s tenure.
However, the financial aspect of the deal could be a hurdle. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations in place, City will have to carefully manage their spending. A potential sale of some existing squad players or a structured deal with performance-based add-ons could be a way to navigate this challenge.
Florian Wirtz represents a dream signing for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. His talent, vision, and technical ability make him a perfect candidate to succeed Kevin De Bruyne. While Bayer Leverkusen is determined to keep him, and competition for his signature remains fierce, City’s financial power and Guardiola’s influence could play a decisive role in bringing Wirtz to the Premier League.
If the move materializes, Wirtz could be the next great playmaker in City’s history, ensuring that Guardiola’s tactical philosophy continues to thrive even after De Bruyne’s departure.
