Report: Man City target Florian Wirtz in bold Kevin De Bruyne replacement bid

The Citizens see Wirtz as a cornerstone for their future, with Pep Guardiola reportedly viewing him as the "perfect" fit to fill the creative void left by De Bruyne, whose contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Wirtz has been a standout for Leverkusen, playing a pivotal role in their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double during the 2023/24 campaign under Xabi Alonso. The German side lost just one game across all competitions that season—the Europa League final to Atalanta.

Wirtz contributed 18 goals and 20 assists in 2023/24, and despite Leverkusen's dip in form this term, he has maintained his brilliance with 15 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances, as reported by ESPN. His ability to dictate play and deliver in high-stakes moments has made him one of Europe's most coveted attacking midfielders.

"They are ready to pay Leverkusen's 150 million euros asking price for Wirtz and offer him a 25 million euros-per-year salary," posted @DeadlineDayLive on X, citing BILD. The post added that Guardiola has personally met with Wirtz, outlining how he would slot into City's system as De Bruyne's replacement.

This aligns with reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, which stated that City have initiated talks and are prepared to meet Leverkusen's valuation, previously pegged at around 110 million euros.

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White also remains on City's radar as a potential De Bruyne replacement, offering proven Premier League nous. However, Wirtz's superior pedigree makes him the priority, despite the higher cost and the risk of adapting to English football.

"City have identified Gibbs-White and Leverkusen's Wirtz as options to replace the departing Kevin De Bruyne this summer," noted Yahoo Sports on April 23, emphasizing that City are unlikely to pursue both players.

The transfer race for Wirtz is heating up, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid also in the hunt. Fichajes reported that Wirtz is "tempted" by the Premier League's allure, while Leverkusen may lower their demands if he opts against renewing his contract, which runs until 2027.

"I have no idea if Wirtz is open to joining City… it probably appeals to most players, but Bayern Munich are reportedly in pursuit, as are Bayer Leverkusen trying to retain him," said The Athletic's David Ornstein.

City's new sporting director, Hugo Viana, has been instrumental in driving this move, assuring Wirtz a central role in Guardiola's setup. "City's strategy aims not only to sign talent but to build their future around him," Fichajes reported, highlighting the club's long-term vision.

Posts on X from @City_Xtra, echoed this sentiment, stating that "Wirtz's father prefers his son to stay, but City are ready to pay big," underscoring the club's determination.

With De Bruyne's exit looming, City are acting swiftly to secure Wirtz, aiming to maintain their dominance in the Premier League and beyond. The coming weeks will reveal whether their bold move pays off in landing one of football's brightest young stars.