Manchester City’s strategic planning for life after Kevin De Bruyne appears to be taking concrete shape, with reports suggesting Pep Guardiola has personally held discussions with Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz. These talks signal City’s serious intent to secure one of European football’s most exciting young talents as they prepare for the eventual departure of their Belgian maestro
In a move that highlights the significance Manchester City places on this potential transfer, Pep Guardiola has reportedly taken direct involvement in the pursuit of Wirtz. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Spanish tactician didn’t just outline City’s interest but presented Wirtz with a comprehensive vision of his future role within the team.
“Guardiola laid out a clear plan for Florian,” revealed a source close to the negotiations. “He told him, you’re not just joining the team — you’re coming in to lead it.” This personal approach from one of football’s most respected managers could prove decisive in convincing the 21-year-old that his future lies at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s history of developing young talent into world-class performers gives significant weight to his recruitment pitch
Manchester City’s determination to secure Wirtz is reflected in their reported willingness to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s substantial €150 million valuation. This figure would represent one of the largest transfer fees in football history, demonstrating City’s conviction that Wirtz represents a generational talent worth such significant investment. Beyond the transfer fee, City is allegedly prepared to offer Wirtz annual wages of approximately €25 million. This remarkable salary package would place the young German among the highest-paid players in world football, despite his relative youth and inexperience at the very highest level.
Such financial commitment indicates that City views Wirtz not merely as another talented addition but as a cornerstone of their long-term sporting project. With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract expiring in 2025 and recent revelations suggesting he may leave even sooner, securing a worthy successor has clearly become a priority for the Premier League champions Florian Wirtz’s development at Bayer Leverkusen has been nothing short of extraordinary. The midfielder has evolved from promising talent to genuine superstar during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, becoming the creative heartbeat of a Leverkusen side that has dominated the Bundesliga this season.
His technical ability, vision, decision-making, and goal contribution have drawn comparisons to German playmaking legends like Mesut Özil and Michael Ballack, though many observers believe Wirtz possesses a more complete skill set than either. His versatility allows him to operate effectively as a central playmaker, attacking midfielder, or even in wider positions—flexibility that would make him particularly valuable in Guardiola’s tactical system. This season, Wirtz has recorded impressive numbers in both goals and assists, demonstrating an end product that belies his youth. Perhaps most impressively, he has shown remarkable consistency, delivering high-level performances in both domestic and European competition.
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne represents one of the most significant challenges facing Manchester City in the coming years. The Belgian has been instrumental in the club’s unprecedented domestic success under Guardiola, establishing himself as arguably the Premier League’s finest creative midfielder of the modern era.
According to reports, Guardiola was forthright with Wirtz about these expectations but framed them in a way that emphasized opportunity rather than pressure . “You won’t fill his shoes — you’ll write your own story. But this is where you become world-class,” Guardiola reportedly told the young German during their conversation.
This approach—acknowledging De Bruyne’s legacy while emphasizing Wirtz’s opportunity to forge his own path—appears calculated to appeal to a young player with clear ambition and self-belief.
While Manchester City appears to be making significant progress in their pursuit of Wirtz, they face formidable competition from Europe’s other elite clubs. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are all monitoring the situation closely, with each offering their own appeal to the young midfielder.
Bayern Munich can present the opportunity to remain in Germany as the centerpiece of their rebuilding project. Real Madrid offers the prestige of the Santiago Bernabéu and the romance of following in the footsteps of German legends like Toni Kroos. Liverpool, under their new management structure, could position Wirtz as the creative fulcrum of their post-Klopp era. However, City’s combined financial muscle, the allure of working with Guardiola, and the promise of becoming the focal point of an already dominant team gives them significant advantages in this high-stakes pursuit.
The timing of these discussions is particularly interesting given recent revelations about Kevin De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder recently disclosed the unexpected circumstances surrounding the club’s decision not to extend his contract, suggesting his departure could come sooner than many anticipated.
This context adds urgency to City’s pursuit of Wirtz, as the club may now be accelerating their succession planning. While De Bruyne’s contract officially runs until 2025, there is growing speculation that an earlier exit—potentially as soon as this summer—could be on the cards.
For Wirtz, the timing also presents an interesting dilemma. Moving to Manchester City now would potentially allow for a transition period where he could learn alongside De Bruyne, assuming the Belgian stays for another season. However, remaining at Leverkusen for one more year under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage might also benefit his development before taking on the enormous responsibility of being De Bruyne’s heir
If Manchester City succeeds in securing Wirtz’s signature, it would represent not just a major transfer coup but a clear statement about the club’s long-term vision. Despite their recent dominance, City appears determined to evolve rather than stagnate, bringing in elite young talent to ensure continuity of success.
Wirtz would join a growing cohort of exceptional young players at the Etihad—including Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Julián Álvarez—forming the backbone of what could be City’s next great team. This proactive approach to succession planning has been a hallmark of the club’s recruitment strategy under Guardiola and Football Director Txiki Begiristain. The potential acquisition also demonstrates City’s ability to compete at the very highest level of the transfer market, even amid ongoing scrutiny of their financial practices. Their willingness to invest €150 million in a single player shows that the club’s ambition remains undimmed.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz represents one of the most significant transfer stories of the upcoming window. With personal talks between Guardiola and the player already taking place and a readiness to meet Leverkusen’s substantial valuation, City appears determined to secure their preferred target for the post-De Bruyne era.
For Wirtz, the decision will be monumental—potentially defining the trajectory of his career at a crucial juncture. For City, successful completion of this transfer would ensure that one of Europe’s most exciting talents arrives to fill the creative void that will eventually be left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on this developing situation. Whether Wirtz becomes the next midfield maestro at the Etihad or chooses a different path for his career development, his decision will have far-reaching implications for the European football landscape in the coming years.
