Manchester City may be forced to look elsewhere for a midfielder. A recent report indicates that Florian Wirtz is keen to stay in Germany. The treble winners were linked with a move for the talented Bayer Leverkusen playmaker. But it appears he is set to stay in the Bundesliga.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany has reported that Han-Joachim Wirtz the father and agent of his son Florian that it is increasingly likely that his son will stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season. He further adds that a move in 2025 appears on the cards for the midfielder. Furthermore, Plettenberg reports that Bayern Munich are keen on the young prodigy and Wirtz is also keen to join the Bundesliga champions.
The news will come as a blow to Manchester City. Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh reported for 90min.com that the treble winners were keen on the German international. They previously reported that the European champions had scouts present in Leverkusen’s 3-2 win over Hoffenheim in which Wirtz was on the score sheet.
Thoughts:
With Kevin De Bruyne closer to the end of his career than the beginning Wirtz was seen as the ideal replacement for the Belgian. With Plettenberg reporting of Wirtz wanting to remain in Germany, it does appear that a move from City for the playmaker is off the cards. It may force the European champions to look elsewhere in the market.
Manchester City have been linked with West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta. But the ongoing betting investigation that surrounds the Brazilian international may end City’s interest. With Wirtz and Paqueta’s availability unknown, it may force the champions elsewhere in the transfer market.
The treble winners do appear to require improving their midfield this summer. This season has seen a changing of the guard across City’s midfield. Injuries and Ilkay Gundogan’s departure in the summer have limited City’s options in midfield. Plettenberg’s report indicates they may have to focus on other targets.
