Manchester City are preparing for life after Kevin De Bruyne, and their eyes are firmly set on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as the heir to the Belgian maestro’s throne.
City targets Wirtz as De Bruyne successor
With De Bruyne set to depart at the end of the season, City have wasted no time identifying his replacement and are reportedly ready to meet Leverkusen’s €150 million valuation to secure Wirtz’s signature.
According to Bild, Pep Guardiola has already communicated to Wirtz how he would be utilised in the City setup, with plans to slot the German star directly into the creative role De Bruyne has owned for nearly a decade.
City are also prepared to offer Wirtz a €25 million per year salary, a package reflective of the club’s belief in his potential to lead their midfield for years to come.
Wirtz’s stellar rise at Leverkusen
The 21-year-old has been a standout performer in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side, delivering consistently across domestic and European competitions.
Since his Bundesliga debut at 17, Wirtz has shattered records, including becoming the youngest Bundesliga scorer at the time and the first German to score in five consecutive Champions League games. His performance in Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 domestic double and run to the Europa League final only reinforced his rising profile.
With 15 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances this season, he has proven himself as one of Europe’s elite emerging talents. His technical brilliance, eye for a pass, and ability to dictate tempo from advanced areas make him a natural fit for Guardiola’s system. (Transfermarkt)
City face Bayern competition
While Wirtz’s father reportedly prefers a move to Bayern Munich, City are confident their project and Guardiola’s mentorship could sway the midfielder toward Manchester.
Replacing De Bruyne is no small task. But if anyone looks capable of stepping into those shoes, it’s Florian Wirtz.
