Manchester City are charting a daring course in the transfer market this summer. The Blues are confident they can outsmart Liverpool and snap up 21‐year-old Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Their secret weapon? A swap deal that features homegrown talent.
City’s season has taken a sharp downturn. They have suffered eight defeats in just 26 matches—a tally equal to their last two campaigns combined. Instead of chasing the Premier League title or Champions League glory, their sights now focus on finishing in the top four and winning the FA Cup.
A key factor behind this slump is the gradual decline of their top stars. Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfield maestro, has been pivotal for years but now shows signs of waning brilliance. At 33 years old, he has managed just three goals and six assists across all competitions this season. With his contract expiring in 127 days, his future hangs in the balance.
City plan to bolster their squad by making a striking offer for Wirtz. The deal reportedly involves young James McAtee—rated at £30m—plus a cash adjustment to match Wirtz’s £85m valuation. This exchange would leave the Blues with a £55m cash difference while securing a top-tier talent.
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The transfer race intensifies as rivals push hard for the same prize. Liverpool, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, have also set their eyes on Wirtz. City’s strategy of using McAtee as a bargaining chip might just give them the crucial edge over Liverpool.
Journalist Simon Jones of the Daily Mail claims that City have stolen a march on fellow suitors. The enticing offer of cash plus McAtee could persuade Bayer Leverkusen—led by Xabi Alonso’s side—to seal the deal. This move could redefine the balance of power in the transfer window.
Meanwhile, speculation grows over De Bruyne’s next chapter. Former captain Roy Keane recently suggested on Sky Sports that Guardiola might let the midfielder leave on a free transfer after a decade of brilliance. Rumors hint at a move to the MLS, with San Diego FC and Inter Miami emerging as potential destinations for the 107-times capped Belgium international.
City’s ambitions stretch beyond a single signing. They are also in a strong position to secure Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle if the Magpies miss out on Champions League qualification. At the same time, names like Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan appear poised for an exit as the Etihad gears up for a summer clearout.
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