City Signal Intent in Midfield Rebuild
Manchester City have officially joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, marking their first significant step toward replacing Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the Etihad at season’s end.
Sources confirmed City have communicated their interest to both Leverkusen and Wirtz’s camp — a move that underscores their urgency to fill the creative void De Bruyne will leave behind.
Bayern, Liverpool Also Circle
City’s main obstacle? Bayern Munich.
Despite Leverkusen’s preference to sell Wirtz abroad rather than to a Bundesliga rival, Bayern remain firmly in the mix and are believed to be leading the race for the 22-year-old Germany international.
Liverpool are also admirers, but sources suggest that while the Anfield hierarchy appreciate Wirtz’s talents, they believe Bayern are difficult to dislodge as frontrunners.
Wirtz Weighing Options as Talks Intensify
The player has not yet made a final decision, but interest across Europe is heating up. Sources say Wirtz’s parents traveled to the UK this week to meet with club representatives, indicating that the family is carefully considering all pathways — including the Premier League.
City hope their reputation for developing talent under Pep Guardiola and their consistent Champions League ambitions will be key selling points.
More Than Just Wirtz: City’s Summer Shopping List
Florian Wirtz isn’t the only name on City’s radar.
According to sources, the Premier League champions are also monitoring:
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Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
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Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)
Both are being considered as midfield depth options alongside Wirtz.
Additionally, City are expected to pursue a right-back this summer and could also enter the goalkeeper market if current No. 1 Ederson leaves — with strong interest emerging from the Saudi Pro League.
De Bruyne’s Exit Marks a New Era
With Kevin De Bruyne’s time at City nearing its end, identifying a suitable successor is now the club’s top priority. Wirtz, who starred in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic double this season, is viewed internally as a perfect stylistic fit.
Still just 22, Wirtz offers versatility, elite final-third production, and a footballing IQ that has made him one of the hottest commodities in Europe.
Whether City can outmaneuver Bayern remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the next chapter of Manchester City’s midfield evolution is already underway.
