Pep Guardiola views Florian Wirtz as ‘dream’ replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at Man City – but Bayer Leverkusen set to demand staggering €150m transfer fee

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly set his sights on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as the ideal successor to Kevin De Bruyne. With De Bruyne’s contract set to expire this summer, City are exploring their options to reinforce their midfield, and Wirtz has emerged as a top target.

The 21-year-old German international has been in scintillating form for Leverkusen, playing a crucial role in their Bundesliga campaign. This season, Wirtz has registered 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances, underlining his ability to contribute both as a creator and a goal scorer. His performances at last summer’s European Championship, where he scored twice for Germany, further solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

Guardiola, known for his meticulous planning and long-term squad building, sees Wirtz as a player capable of stepping into De Bruyne’s role seamlessly. The Belgian playmaker has been instrumental in City’s dominance over the years, but with persistent injury issues and the uncertainty surrounding his future, a transition period is inevitable.

However, any move for Wirtz will come at a hefty price. Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly demanding a staggering €150 million (£125 million) to part ways with their prized asset. Given his age, technical brilliance, and immense potential, the German club is in no rush to sell, knowing that his value will likely continue to rise.

City, backed by their financial might, are expected to explore ways to structure the deal, potentially including performance-based add-ons to ease the burden of the transfer fee. But they will not have a clear path to signing Wirtz, as several European powerhouses have also expressed interest in the midfielder.

Bayern Munich, in particular, have been heavily linked with Wirtz. The club’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, has publicly voiced his admiration for the player, suggesting that Bayern should do everything possible to bring him to the Allianz Arena. However, Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has attempted to downplay speculation, stating that the club remains satisfied with their current squad.

For City, the addition of Wirtz would represent a major statement of intent. Guardiola has always favored technically gifted midfielders who can dictate play, and Wirtz fits that mold perfectly. His dribbling ability, tactical intelligence, and composure in tight spaces make him an ideal candidate for City’s system, particularly in the attacking midfield role.

Moreover, with De Bruyne turning 34 next year, City are aware that they must prepare for life beyond their legendary playmaker. While Phil Foden and Julian Álvarez have stepped up creatively, neither fully replicates De Bruyne’s vision and range of passing. Wirtz, on the other hand, possesses a similar ability to unlock defenses and dictate the tempo of games.

Despite City’s strong interest, a deal is far from straightforward. Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, are enjoying a fantastic season and see Wirtz as central to their project. The club is currently challenging Bayern’s dominance in the Bundesliga, and with Champions League football on the horizon, they will be determined to keep hold of their star man for at least another season.

Wirtz himself has remained relatively quiet on his future, focusing solely on his performances for Leverkusen. However, he has previously expressed admiration for Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, which could work in City’s favor should discussions progress.

If City manage to secure Wirtz’s signature, it would mark another major coup for the club, adding to their long list of marquee signings under Guardiola. However, it would also raise questions about how the current squad would be reshaped, particularly with the potential departures of veteran players like De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, who has been linked with a move away for several seasons.

The coming months will be crucial in determining Wirtz’s next destination. If Leverkusen resist selling him this summer, City may have to wait another year or explore alternative targets. Nevertheless, Guardiola’s admiration for Wirtz suggests that City will make every effort to bring him to the Etihad sooner rather than later.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds. Will City meet Leverkusen’s demands? Will Bayern enter the race with a concrete offer? Or will Wirtz choose to remain in Germany for another season before making a move?

One thing is certain—Florian Wirtz is a generational talent, and wherever he ends up, he is destined to be one of the standout players of his generation.