Man City transfers: £126m star ‘perfect’ for Guardiola, latest news from Wirtz, tells whether he will join this summer

Manchester City have already made waves in the transfer window, but the spotlight now shifts to one of the most sought-after young talents in European football: Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old German midfielder is being closely monitored by Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team, with reports indicating that the Cityzens are preparing a potential blockbuster move that could exceed £126 million.

Wirtz, who dazzled in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga-winning campaign under Xabi Alonso, is widely considered a generational talent. His vision, creativity, and maturity beyond his years have seen him compared to elite midfielders such as Kevin De Bruyne and even former Barcelona maestro Andrés Iniesta. It’s no surprise that Guardiola is reportedly a huge admirer of the player, believing Wirtz would be a “perfect” addition to Manchester City’s evolving midfield.

City’s interest in Wirtz isn’t new, but the urgency has intensified this summer. With Kevin De Bruyne in the twilight of his Premier League career and Bernardo Silva persistently linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona, Guardiola is seeking to reshape his midfield for the future. And Wirtz, with his blend of technique, vision, and pressing intensity, fits that blueprint.

However, the player himself has offered mixed signals. While he’s flattered by the growing interest from top European clubs, Wirtz has maintained a measured tone in recent interviews. When asked directly about Manchester City, he said, “They’re a great team and play beautiful football, but I’m focused on my present.” Still, that hasn’t stopped speculation that he could make the leap this summer, especially with Leverkusen open to major offers following their domestic success.

Sources close to the deal suggest City are weighing up a formal approach before the end of June, hoping to wrap up negotiations early to allow the player a full pre-season under Guardiola. The club’s hierarchy sees Wirtz not only as a long-term replacement for De Bruyne but also as a marketing gem who could become a face of the club for the next decade.

Financially, Manchester City are well-positioned to pull off the deal. While the Premier League champions must remain cautious due to FFP regulations, they are planning several outgoings—including Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, and possibly even Ederson—to create space both financially and within the squad. Should those exits materialize, the path for Wirtz becomes clearer.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, are standing firm on their valuation. They reportedly want no less than £126 million, which would make Wirtz the most expensive German player in history. But the Bundesliga club is also realistic—aware that their star player’s ambitions may not be fulfilled with another season in Germany, especially with the Premier League and Champions League calling.

Guardiola’s tactics could also play a decisive role. Insiders believe the Catalan boss has already communicated a vision for Wirtz’s integration—seeing him as a hybrid between an advanced No. 8 and a false 9, much like how Phil Foden or De Bruyne have been used in key matches. That sort of positional flexibility and trust from one of the world’s best coaches could be enough to sway the player.

City fans have already started buzzing online, speculating how Wirtz would link up with Erling Haaland and Foden in what could become one of the most formidable attacking trios in world football. Social media is awash with dream line-ups featuring the German star donning City blue, further fueling the anticipation.

In the end, the question remains: Will Wirtz make the jump to Manchester this summer? While the answer isn’t yet definitive, the pieces are starting to align. Guardiola wants him. City can afford him. Leverkusen are listening. And the player? He hasn’t said yes—but he certainly hasn’t said no.