Manchester City have every reason to be disappointed that they will be unable to seal a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in the summer.
Manchester City chose not to sign Wirtz as they believed that any potential deal would add up to £252 million as a whole — which they felt was far too costly a price to pay to sign the German.
Wirtz could have replaced De Bruyne as he is one of the premier attacking midfielders in world football but City have shown over the years that they are not afraid of pulling out of high-profile deals — with Declan Rice’s eventual move to Arsenal being the prime example.
However, Manchester City tend to have the last laugh and go on to win silverware despite staying true to their transfer philosophy.
But there is no denying that Florian Wirtz is a special player and one who could have taken this Sky Blues side to the next level.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Tijjani Reijnders was always a more important signing for Man City than Florian Wirtz
However, even if Manchester City managed to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders would have been the more important addition if they go on to secure his services.
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Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Reijnders, who is relishing the opportunity of playing under Pep Guardiola as a move looks to be on the cards.
While Wirtz’s arrival would have boosted City’s creativity — which has been a major issue for Guardiola this season — Reijnders would instantly improve this side in three major departments.
Maximising control in midfield
Boosting Manchester City’s athleticism in the middle of the park
Winning duels in the midfield
Reijnders could replace Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City in the long haul and essentially, the 26-year-old is a younger version of the six-time Premier League winner — similarly known for scoring important goals, dictating the tempo of games and being a technical phenom.
However, unlike the 34-year-old, who is past his prime now, the Dutch international is at the peak of his physical powers and is adept at coming out on top when contesting duels and dominating the midfield.
Time and again this season, City’s midfield has been far too easy to play against for opponents, as any side that features quick and strong players would domineer over them athletically.
But Reijnders, who is likened to Declan Rice is also an incredible athlete while being an incredible carrier of the ball — a feature that only Mateo Kovacic among Manchester City’s central midfielders possesses while being an incisive passer; an area where both Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have underperformed this term.
Florian Wirtz is perhaps the superior and more established player but the mark of an excellent signing is their impact on a team and the AC Milan technician seems guaranteed to elevate Pep Guardiola’s men.
Man City’s internal plan to seal Reijnders signing
Milos Kerkez called Reijnders an “unbelievable player” and judging by Guardiola’s track record of improving players, the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder could hit another gear if he made the move to the Etihad Stadium.
Reijnders is Manchester City’s prime target in the number eight role off the back of his outstanding campaign for AC Milan — scoring 15 goals in all competitions.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS STATS THIS SEASON
STARTS 52
GOALS 15
ASSISTS 5
With Rodri having returned from injury, another reason for City to pursue the Zwolle-born ace’s signature is because he could ease the Spaniard’s workload in the middle of the park.
Manchester City will launch a bid to sign Reijnders in the coming weeks — and a deal could be completed for £42 million.
Considering the tumultuous nature of AC Milan’s campaign that included them losing 1-0 to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final coupled with his keenness on working with Guardiola, a deal looks like it could theoretically be possible.