Manchester City’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer appears to have encountered a significant obstacle.
The 21-year-old playmaker has been identified as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the club at the end of his contract in the summer.
Wirtz played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win last season, and he has continued to impress both domestically and internationally.
However, City’s path to securing Wirtz’s services is complicated by his reportedly hefty €150million (£130million) asking price, as well as reports suggesting that the German star could extend his contract with Leverkusen, potentially including a release clause that would guarantee the club a substantial payout when he eventually moves.
According to recent comments from Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro, it’s increasingly likely that Wirtz will not depart this summer.
Carro stated there is a “very high probability” that Wirtz will stay, adding, “He has a contract with us until June 2026, he feels good here, and we’re planning for next season with him.”
Carro also expressed confidence in the future of head coach Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.
For City, if they are unable to lure Wirtz away from Leverkusen, they will need to find an alternative who can provide the same game-changing influence as De Bruyne.
Despite being 33, the Belgian midfielder demonstrated his enduring class in City’s 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
De Bruyne scored a crucial free-kick to get City back into the game, before delivering a perfectly weighted assist for Mateo Kovacic’s go-ahead goal.
This marked De Bruyne’s 119th Premier League assist, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Over his decade-long career, he has helped guide City to six Premier League titles.
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