Could Florian Wirtz be Manchester City’s long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne? With the Belgian international currently out recovering from hamstring surgery, and getting closer to the end of his career there will be time when City will cast their eye on the transfer market for a replacement.
Sean Walsh and Graeme Bailey of 90min.com have reported that City scouts were in attendance at Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-2 win at Hoffenheim. Wirtz opened the scoring in his side’s victory. They add that their attention was the young German international.
Wirtz has shone for Bayer Leverkusen so far this season. Xabi Alonso’s side currently sit top of the Bundesliga after 10 games. He has scored 6 goals and contributed 9 assists for his club in all competitions so far this season. The midfielder has been one of the standout performers in Leverkusen’s rise to the top of the Bundesliga standings.
Wirtz has added more goals to his game so far this season. He has great technical ability and does possess the skill to find key passes similar to Kevin De Bruyne. Wirtz also has the natural ability to find space between the lines which would make him almost an ideal player for Pep Guardiola’s side.
At 20 years of age, the German international does fit the age profile the treble winners tend to target. Recent signings Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku have all been signed at a similar age with their best football ahead of them.
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne may be required by City in the near future. Florian Wirtz could be the ideal candidate to replace the City legend.