Manchester City are preparing a £100 million move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as they look to replace outgoing midfielder Kevin De Bruyne this summer.
De Bruyne will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season when his contract expires. The 33-year-old has been a central figure in City’s success over the past decade, making 413 appearances, scoring 106 goals, and providing 174 assists across all competitions. He played a key role in helping the club win every major domestic and European trophy.
City believe Wirtz is the ideal candidate to fill the creative gap left by the Belgian. The 21-year-old German international has impressed across multiple competitions this season, contributing 9 goals and 10 assists in 25 Bundesliga matches and 6 goals in 9 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
Wirtz has been a standout performer for Leverkusen since breaking into the first team as a teenager. Last season, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Season after recording 11 goals and 12 assists, helping Leverkusen win their first-ever league title without a single defeat.
City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a strong admirer of Wirtz’s vision and technical ability. The midfielder has been playing a key role in Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 formation and has become one of the most sought-after young players in Europe. Despite suffering an ankle injury in March, he remains a top target for several clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Speaking about De Bruyne’s departure, Guardiola said some players cannot be substituted and described saying goodbye to him as difficult for the club, the fans, and his teammates.
New sporting director Hugo Viana is expected to oversee the transition in midfield this summer. The Portuguese executive, who joins from Sporting CP, will be tasked with managing one of the most important transfer windows in recent years for the club.
Leverkusen are trying to extend Wirtz’s contract but face pressure as interest continues to grow. City, in contrast, are confident that their project and Guardiola’s influence could convince the midfielder to make the move to Manchester.
If City secure the signing, Wirtz would arrive as one of the most high-profile additions in European football this summer. His arrival would mark the beginning of a new era for Manchester City’s midfield following the departure of one of the club’s greatest-ever players.