As Manchester City went down 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Etihad you could tell that the end of an era for Pep Guardiola’s side has well and truly arrived. The City hierarchy has identified this and began the rebuild of Pep Guardiola’s squad during the January transfer window. Heading into the summer transfer window it is apparent that City will continue that process.
Who Manchester City will target is a topic that will dominate discussion. It now appears that Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is at the top of City’s list. But it remains unlikely that he will be available during next summer’s transfer window. Christian Falk has reported via X that Pep Guardiola wants to add Wirtz to his squad. But Falk’s report suggests that Wirtz won’t be available this summer so City may have to look elsewhere in the upcoming transfer window.
Christian Falk’s report indicates that Manchester City maintain an interest in signing Wirtz. Furthermore, Falk adds that City did try and sign the German international this past winter. Lastly, Falk adds that Wirtz appears set to sign a contract extension with Bayern Leverkusen that will include a release clause that becomes active in 2026.
Florian Wirtz is a player Manchester City can build around but it’s unlikely that he will be available this summer.
You only had to watch Manchester City’s defeat to Real Madrid to see why City would be eager to sign Florian Wirtz. Watching Kevin De Bruyne play last night you can tell he is coming to the end of his career. Try as he might last night he just couldn’t get around the pitch as he once could. It does appear that the time for Manchester City to replace De Bruyne is now. Florian Wirtz would be the perfect player to step into the void that De Bruyne will leave in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The German international ticks every box required of a potential Manchester City player. Especially one who can pick up the burden left by De Bruyne’s decline as a player or potential departure. But there is one major problem.
As it stands and as Falk has reported it appears likely that Wirtz will sign a contract extension with Bayern Leverkusen. He is unlikely to be available this summer. Unless he doesn’t agree on a new contract with Leverkusen City will be forced to look elsewhere in the summer market. As good as Wirtz is that is just facts of the situation as it stands. It may change but for now Leverkusen appear certain to retain Wirtz’s services for next season.
Florian Wirtz is a player that would be ideal for Manchester City to rebuild their squad around. But there is no indication that he is going to a part of City’s summer rebuild. That appears to be the state of the play in regards to City’s interest in signing the German international.
