Florian Wirtz’s move to Liverpool was recently announced and next season, the German will be expected to help the Reds win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.
Manchester City chose not to sign Wirtz as they felt the deal was far too expensive.
The Bundesliga winner’s move to Liverpool could amount to £116 million (Sky Sports), with £100 million being the initial fee without even taking his wages into account.
Manchester City were unhappy about Wirtz’s rejection due to the stories mentioning that he had made his way to the Etihad Stadium.
Germany v Bosnia and Herzegovina - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3
Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES-Sportfoto/Getty Images
Florian Wirtz said no to Man City due to doubts about life after Pep Guardiola
Wirtz was not keen on joining Manchester City and only time will tell whether he becomes a superstar at Liverpool.
However, based on the 21-year-old’s track record so far, it is difficult to imagine a world where he does not take the Premier League by storm.
More Man City News
Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, journalist Dean Jones revealed that when Wirtz was deciding his next destination, one of the reasons why he snubbed Manchester City is because he was unsure about life after Pep Guardiola at the club: “And look, formally, publicly Man City will say that they didn’t go through with pursuing Wirtz because they felt it was too expensive and they felt they could sign two or three players for the cost of him, which they pretty much have. But I still think they wanted him. I don’t think Wirtz was completely convinced of what happens with life after Pep Guardiola.”
Guardiola was keen on signing Wirtz but with his contract running out in 2027, the player considered his future and Manchester City’s as a key factor that prompted him to say yes to Liverpool’s proposal.
“And I think that was really important in how this ended up unfolding.”
Florian Wirtz stats compared to Rayan Cherki
Gael Clichy has raved about Cherki and based on the 2024/2025 season, Manchester City are signing a more in-form player in the Frenchman as compared to Wirtz.
2024/2025 SEASON STATS RAYAN CHERKI FLORIAN WIRTZ
APPEARANCES 46 45
GOALS 13 16
ASSISTS 20 15
TOTAL 33 31
The former Lyon midfielder has 33 goal contributions while the Liverpool new-boy had 31 to his name.
As a result, Manchester City have every reason to feel bullish despite missing out on one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.