Manchester City are intensifying efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s standout midfielder Florian Wirtz, as the Premier League champions prepare for a summer rebuild.
Wirtz, 22, has attracted attention across Europe following a sensational season in the Bundesliga, where he played a pivotal role in helping Leverkusen clinch their first-ever league title—remarkably without suffering a single defeat. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Most Valuable Player award after registering 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.
City face strong competition from domestic rivals Bayern Munich, but sources suggest that Leverkusen may be more inclined to negotiate with the Manchester club. Talks between City and the German side are believed to have reached a verbal agreement on the framework of a potential deal.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly eager to refresh his squad following what has been considered a disappointing campaign by the club’s lofty standards. With several first-team regulars edging toward the latter stages of their careers, a transition appears inevitable.
Kevin De Bruyne, 32, could be among the high-profile departures this summer, while veteran full-back Kyle Walker is also being linked with an exit. City are already monitoring Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento as a potential replacement at right-back.
Wirtz has long been admired by Guardiola for his technical ability, vision, and versatility. The German international is capable of playing in various roles across midfield and the attacking third, fitting seamlessly into the manager’s possession-based style.
Securing Wirtz would mark one of the marquee signings of the upcoming transfer window and a strong statement of intent from City’s hierarchy. The club’s board are understood to be fully supportive of Guardiola’s summer plans and are prepared to back him in reshaping the squad for another title push next season.
While no official deal has been confirmed, Wirtz’s arrival at the Etihad would signal the beginning of a new era at City—one centered around youth, dynamism, and continued dominance both domestically and in Europe.
By Kelly Were
