Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as his top target to replace Kevin De Bruyne, but the German attacker’s services will come at a hefty price tag of £125m.
Wirtz’s Impressive Form
The 21-year-old Wirtz has been in sensational form for Leverkusen, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 49 appearances last season.
This term, he has managed 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 games, including a brace for Germany at the European Championship.
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Guardiola’s Dream Replacement
According to Bild, Guardiola views Wirtz as his “dream replacement” for De Bruyne, whose future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain.
De Bruyne’s contract expires this summer, and he has struggled to find his best form this season, with only three goals and six assists in 26 appearances.
Transfer Battle Ahead
Manchester City will face stiff competition for Wirtz’s signature, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also interested in the German sensation.
Leverkusen CEO Max Eberl has claimed that Wirtz’s current contract does not include a release clause, giving the German club leverage in potential transfer negotiations.
A Record-Breaking Transfer?
If Manchester City were to secure Wirtz’s services, it would likely break the club’s transfer record.
The deal would be a major statement of intent from Guardiola’s side, which has been criticized for its lack of depth in midfield.
