In a significant development on the transfer front, Manchester City have officially withdrawn from the race to sign German star Florian Wirtz, according to multiple reliable sources.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign, has been one of the most sought-after talents in Europe. However, despite previously showing strong interest, City have now stepped aside, leaving Bayern Munich in pole position to land his signature.
💰 Why City Withdrew
While the club had identified Wirtz as a potential long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, it appears several key factors led to the decision to pull out:
- High Transfer Fee: Leverkusen have reportedly set a valuation in excess of €110 million, a price City are currently unwilling to meet—especially with Financial Fair Play regulations tightening across European competitions.
- Wage Demands: Negotiations with Wirtz’s representatives indicated that the player was expecting a substantial wage package, on par with top earners at the Etihad.
- Bayern’s Influence: Bayern Munich have emerged as front-runners and are believed to have already agreed on personal terms with the player. Wirtz is also reportedly keen on staying in Germany for at least a few more years before considering a move abroad.
🎙️ Inside Sources Say…
One club insider reportedly told The Athletic:
“Wirtz is a fantastic player, but the timing and the numbers didn’t align with our current priorities. We’re looking at more sustainable options for the squad this summer.”
It’s also worth noting that Manchester City’s midfield rebuild may now be directed toward more experienced or versatile players who can offer immediate impact in both domestic and European competitions.
🔄 What Does This Mean for City’s Transfer Strategy?
With Wirtz off the table, City will now turn their attention to alternative targets. High on their list is reportedly:
- Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan): Talks are ongoing, and personal terms are close to being agreed.
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle): A long-time target, though his release clause and wages remain sticking points.
- João Neves (Benfica): A younger option with high potential, but likely to attract competition from Premier League rivals.
City’s focus this summer is expected to be a midfield reshaping, especially with De Bruyne’s departure confirmed and Ilkay Gündogan already gone. The squad needs fresh creativity, composure, and depth to continue challenging on all fronts.
🧩 Final Word
While the withdrawal from the Florian Wirtz race may disappoint some fans, it’s a reminder that Manchester City are balancing short-term needs with long-term sustainability. Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team are taking a strategic approach—not just buying the most exciting names, but securing players who fit the system, the budget, and the future vision.