Florian Wirtz to Man City as next Jack Grealish: ‘Incredulous’ £100m+ update
Man City could be looking to bring Florian Wirtz to the Premier League as Jack Grealish’s successor, according to the Daily Mail.
Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz has long been linked with a big-money move to England, having really burst onto the Bundesliga stage during the 2020/21 season.
Since then, the 21-year-old has accumulated nearly 200 appearances for the German side, becoming a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s side, but his next destination could be Pep Guardiola’s team.
The Citizens are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, but even by their standards, it has been a woeful campaign for anyone involved with the reigning champions.
Jack Grealish has struggled at Man City over the last couple of years, only starting 16 league games since the beginning of last season.
Man City could splash well over £100million on Florian Wirtz
Despite splurging £185million during the winter transfer window, Guardiola could already be looking to delve into Man City’s budget once the summer transfer window opens.
According to the Daily Mail [18 February], any noise of a potential £85million deal for the talented German is seen as “incredulous” by those at the BayArena.
It is understood that, while Leverkusen have been in negotiations over a contract extension, with his current terms running out in 2027, a buyout clause of £104million has also been mooted.
City would have to wait until 2026 for this to become active, but with Wirtz noted as able to catch the eye much like Grealish with his low-lying socks, it remains to be seen how long they will wait to do business.
Guardiola will reportedly have to shell out as much as £125million to land the attacker if he chooses not to agree new terms in the Bundesliga.
Pep Guardiola to continue entire Man City rebuild
Football Insider verdict
Man City boss Guardiola has earned the trust and respect of those around him during his long spell in England, having lifted the Premier League trophy on six occasions.
Eventually throwing a Champions League title into the mix, there is little the Catalonian has not accomplished with City, but even he cannot work miracles.
The likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, sadly, look ready to pass on the torch to the next generation of players, but Guardiola’s decision not to add too many players in recent windows might come back to bite the club.
With the number of injuries also now piling up, it might be time for a total rebuild at the Etihad Stadium. Wirtz might just be the first of many potential new additions.