Man City in talks over transfer for key Bundesliga talent | OneFootball

Man City Engage in Behind-the-Scenes Talks Over Florian Wirtz Transfer

Premier League Champions Plot Move for Bundesliga Star

Manchester City are no strangers to orchestrating high-profile transfer dealings in the shadows before making decisive moves. According to Football Insider, the Premier League giants have been speaking behind the scenes with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, as they look to position themselves ahead of Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.

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Mick Brown, a highly experienced former scout for Manchester United and Blackburn, believes City are quietly working on securing the 21-year-old midfielder, despite Bayern’s public declarations of intent.

With Wirtz contracted to Leverkusen until 2027, securing his services will not come cheap. Football Insider previously reported that a fee in the region of £100 million would be required to prise him away from the Bundesliga leaders.

Wirtz Identified as Long-Term Successor to De Bruyne

One of the key factors driving City’s pursuit of Wirtz is the uncertain future of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro’s contract expires at the end of the season, and while City would love to keep him, there is growing speculation about a move away from the Etihad.

Brown provided further insight into City’s approach, explaining how they prefer to operate discreetly in the transfer market:

There is little doubt about Wirtz’s talent. A key figure in Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Leverkusen side, the attacking midfielder has showcased his ability on both the domestic and European stage. He is widely regarded as one of the most gifted young playmakers in world football, with an excellent eye for goal, intelligent movement, and the technical ability to dictate play in the final third.

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Bayern Munich in Pole Position – But City Won’t Back Down

Bayern Munich appear to be the frontrunners at this stage, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge publicly confirming their strong interest in signing Wirtz.

Brown acknowledged the challenge facing City in their pursuit of the German international:

However, he was also quick to point out that City’s recruitment strategy has often allowed them to strike when rivals least expect it.

City’s Due Diligence Could Prove Pivotal

One of the key aspects of this potential transfer will be City’s assessment of whether Wirtz can adapt to the demands of the Premier League. While he has thrived in Germany, Brown emphasised the importance of understanding a player beyond just their performances on the pitch.

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Wirtz is one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and his arrival at the Etihad could be the perfect move to future-proof the club’s midfield. If De Bruyne does depart in the near future, having Wirtz ready to step in would soften the blow considerably.

City’s track record in developing world-class talent under Pep Guardiola is another reason for optimism. Players like Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez have flourished under his guidance, and Wirtz could be the next elite star to benefit from working with one of the greatest tactical minds in the game.

There is also a strategic element to this move. Bayern have dominated the German market for years, snapping up the best talents from their domestic rivals. If City manage to outmanoeuvre them on this deal, it would send a strong statement about their ability to attract the world’s best, even when competing with the Bundesliga’s most dominant club.

Ultimately, City fans will be hoping that their club’s silent but effective approach will pay off. If Wirtz does end up wearing sky blue next season, it will be yet another example of how Guardiola and City’s recruitment team continue to build for both the present and the future.