Manchester City is on the verge of a game-changing move. Pep Guardiola has reportedly approved an £83m bid for a superstar.
Moreover, this transfer could reshape the club’s creative engine.
Pep Guardiola has chosen a successor to Kevin De Bruyne. City appears ready to finalize the deal with a €100m/£83m offer. Additionally, a key clause must be included to seal the agreement.
Kevin De Bruyne, 33, stands as a true Premier League legend. His current contract expires this summer, and change is imminent. Furthermore, he has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS. Reports even hint that he prefers a new chapter in America.
To fill the creative void, Guardiola is eyeing Florian Wirtz. Transfer insider Fraser Fletcher revealed the move on February 12. In addition, Sky Sports Switzerland confirmed that Guardiola’s decision is final.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Florian Wirtz is set to sign a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen. The deal includes a release clause worth €125m (£103.7m) that activates in 2026. However, City may secure him earlier by accepting a crucial sell-on clause. In essence, the package requires an £83m payment plus a percentage linked to future gains.
At 21, Wirtz has impressed with his flair and vision. Consequently, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have shown interest in the young attacker. He finished 12th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting and powered Leverkusen to a league and cup double last season.
This season, Wirtz has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 35 matches across all competitions. Moreover, his dynamic play earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award for 2023/24. His performance continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.
If Wirtz proves unattainable, City may target Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere. The 23-year-old Belgian international has netted 11 goals and provided 11 assists this season. Furthermore, his former club AC Milan holds a 10 percent sell-on clause that might drive up his price. In other news, former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger praised Omar Marmoush after his hattrick in a 4-0 win over Newcastle. Notably, City acquired the Egypt international from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59m, rising to £63.2m.