Man City
Mick Brown
Sun 9 March 2025 8:00, UK
Man City are speaking to the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz behind the scenes as they eye a potential summer deal.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that City are prepared to rival the likes of Bayern Munich for his signature.
Wirtz, 21, has a contract with Leverkusen which is set to run until 2027 but is widely expected to leave the club this summer amid interest from Europe’s elite sides.
This comes after Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed [via the Mail] that his side are targeting the signing of the Germany international.
Bayern are believed to be the current frontrunners to sign the attacking midfielder as they aim to continue their Bundesliga dominance.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 20 February that Man City want to sign Wirtz as the ideal replacement for Kevin de Bruyne who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Man City target Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has emerged as a key target for Man City (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Man City in talks to beat Bayern Munich to Florian Wirtz deal
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 14 February that City would need to pay “around £100million” to sign Wirtz amid competition from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that City have already begun working on the deal behind the scenes to beat their rivals.
“I think Bayern Munich are leading the race at the moment,” he told Football Insider.
“When they’ve got the CEO coming out and making statements like that, it’s always going to make it harder for City to compete.
“Man City work well in the transfer market with identifying the players they want.
“But they do most of their work behind the scenes and then suddenly the deal is announced.
“So in this case, I think they’ve been talking to his representatives behind the scenes and trying to move forward with an agreement.
“Their recruitment plans at the moment are centred on bringing in young players, like they did in January.
“Wirtz certainly fits in to that, he’s shown in the Champions League that he can perform at the top level.
“He’s a very talented player, so whether he can produce consistently enough to perform in the Premier League is something Man City will be looking for.
“Bayern Munich see him every week, they know about him chapter and verse, about his personality as well as they way he plays.
“It’s up to City to put in that same level of due diligence, and I expect they have done that.”
Man City
Pep Guardiola is lining up transfer plans at Man City. (Credit: Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola lines up John Stones replacement after exit twist
Wirtz is viewed as City’s potential De Bruyne replacement, and is one of multiple targets ahead of the summer transfer window as they target a major overhaul of their squad.
Alongside De Bruyne, questions have been asked about the futures of the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and John Stones.
Brown told Football Insider that Man City are prepared to sell John Stones this summer and are working on signing a replacement after Abdukodir Khusanov’s arrival was fast-tracked.
The 30-year-old is no longer believed to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans amid concerns about his injury record and lack of availability.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts