Manchester City receive hope in Florian Wirtz chase as competitive contract offer remains ignored | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City have received their first clear signal from Florian Wirtz and his camp that a move to the Etihad Stadium may be a possibility this summer.

The Germany international is widely believed to be the number one choice to replace Kevin De Bruyne from the perspective of club officials in Manchester, following on from the Belgian’s statement released at the end of last week.

After a decade in sky blue and white and establishing himself as arguably Manchester City’s greatest-ever player, De Bruyne will be leaving the club as a free agent following the conclusion of the ongoing season.

The only question that now remains over the 33-year-old’s future is when exactly he will depart the Etihad Stadium with his contract formally expiring after the group stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Despite that minor element of uncertainty, the task remains front and centre for club bosses as they embark on one of their sternest challenges yet in the recruitment department; sourcing an able replacement to their main creative engine for the last 10 years.

Now, according to a new report from German outlet Kicker, it is revealed that Bayer Leverkusen and Florian Wirtz’s camp have had an agreement in principle in place over a new contract since December 2024, in case the player decided to stay at the club.

However, it is revealed that while the position taken by Wirtz’s camp was originally for the player to take steps in his development with Leverkusen, and for a move to a top club planned after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the midfielder is considering a move this summer instead.

The report once again reiterates that Manchester City are interested in Florian Wirtz as a direct replace for Kevin De Bruyne, with the intention of making the Germany international a key part of their squad rebuild.

As for Bayer Leverkusen, it is pointed out that the Bundesliga champions have not set a deadline for Florian Wirtz and his parents to make a decision, and now have no choice other than to wait and see what the immediate future holds.

Attacking midfield is expected to be one of a number of positions addressed by Manchester City officials this summer as Hugo Viana takes on the challenge of becoming the club’s new director of football.

The former Sporting official takes over from Txiki Begiristain after it was confirmed last Autumn that the legendary recruitment boss would be leaving his post at Manchester City following 12 seasons in the role.

Among the areas likely to be under assessment from Viana and Begiristain in a transitional period for the club are the full-back roles amid an expected exit for Kyle Walker, central midfield to make up for a lack of energy, as well as the wide forward ranks.