Stefan Borson
Sat 17 May 2025 10:00, UK
Manchester City have been handed a boost in their bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this summer.
The Manchester giants are putting plans in place ahead of the upcoming transfer window as they look to challenge for the Premier League title again next season.
Wirtz has emerged as Man City’s primary target to replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne following his performances in the Bundesliga over the past couple of seasons.
German newspaper BILD reported on 13 May the 22-year-old jetted in to have talks with Man City over a potential move to the Etihad.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the size of the deal gives Pep Guardiola’s side a very good chance of signing Wirtz this summer.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool are also believed to be in the race for the Germany international, who has a price tag of around £126million.
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Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances for Leverkusen this season.
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
(Credit: Imago)
Liverpool hit by blow in Florian Wirtz race
Borson insisted Liverpool are unlikely to be close to signing Wirtz as Man City also look to secure his signature.
He told Football Insider: “I think it’s broadly in line with what we said last week, which is that it wasn’t quite as done as it might have appeared, especially because of the size of the deal and the cost of the deal.
“I think that’s been borne out over the last few days. I don’t think it means necessarily that City will get him, but clearly they’re very much in the running.
“I think Leverkusen just don’t want one of these classic German situations where their best player heads off to Bayern Munich in a deal where Bayern Munich have effectively got rid of most of the competition or all of the competition, and therefore can negotiate a much better price.
“I think that’s probably what’s going on. I doubt Liverpool are that close. We will just see over probably the next week 10 days which way it goes.
“City obviously are hopeful, and I think they’ve all come over. That must mean something, but I don’t think Pep was there. I don’t know which way that swings it, but it’s just a very expensive deal, and you have very few clubs that can play that game.
“Obviously, that probably gives City a very good chance, just because if Bayern Munich have already made other signings and have already got their eyes on other players, can they really do another deal of this scale?
“I don’t know. Probably not.”
Appearances 44
Goals 16
Assists 15
Florian Wirtz’s 2024-25 stats (all competitions)
Jack Grealish set for Man City showdown talks
Football Insider revealed on 13 May Jack Grealish will seek assurances from Guardiola this summer.
The England international has not seen any action in each of the past four Premier League games and has started just seven top-flight matches this season.
The 29-year-old winger is under contract at the Etihad until June 2027.
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