JUST IN: “Pep Guardiola views Florian Wirtz as ‘dream’ replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at Man City – but Bayer Leverkusen set to demand staggering €150m transfer fee.

Pep Guardiola Eyes Florian Wirtz as Kevin De Bruyne’s Successor

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pinpointed Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen as his ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract is set to expire this summer. The 21-year-old German international has drawn widespread acclaim for his impressive performances both in the Bundesliga and on the international stage.

This season, Wirtz has been in remarkable form, contributing 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances for Leverkusen. His standout performances at last summer’s European Championship, where he scored two goals for Germany, have only added to his growing reputation.

A Price Tag to Match His Talent

However, securing Wirtz will come at a significant cost. Bayer Leverkusen has set a €150 million (£125 million) asking price for the midfielder, fully aware of his value in the market. For Manchester City, this represents a substantial financial commitment, but one that could potentially offer them a long-term solution to fill the creative void left by De Bruyne‘s eventual departure.

Guardiola’s Midfield Reinforcement

With De Bruyne’s injury history and his contract running down, Guardiola is eager to bolster his midfield options. Wirtz’s exceptional technical skills, vision, and versatility make him a natural fit to take on a key playmaking role at the Etihad.

Competition from Bayern Munich

Although Manchester City is prepared to invest heavily, the path to signing Wirtz may not be straightforward. Bayern Munich has also expressed interest in the young talent, with the club’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, advocating for his acquisition. However, Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has downplayed these reports, emphasizing the club’s satisfaction with its current squad.

As the summer transfer window draws nearer, the race for Wirtz’s signature is heating up. It remains to be seen whether Manchester City can strike a deal with Bayer Leverkusen, but securing the German star would represent both a strategic investment and a crucial move to maintain their domestic and European dominance in the years to come.