Man City get Florian Wirtz green light after new development – ‘the deal is done’
Florian Wirtz is a top target for Man City this summer as they scour the market for a suitable Kevin De Bruyne replacement.
Football Insider revealed on 19 April Wirtz is Man City’s number one option to replace De Bruyne this summer, with the Premier League giants declining to offer the Belgian playmaker a new deal.
It has been widely reported that the Germany international could cost City as much as £130million.
The attacking midfielder was key in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph last term and has continued that form with 28 goal involvements so far in the 2024-25 campaign.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has revealed why Man City may now find a deal for Wirtz “easier to do”.
Xabi Alonso exit gives Man City green light to sign Wirtz, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso‘s move to Real Madrid is a “done deal” – firing the starting pistol on a “changing of the guard” at the German club.
Wirtz has thrived under the Spaniard’s tutelage but he looks set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2025-26 campaign.
Wyness insisted Man City are likely the only club who can afford Wirtz’s asking price.
| Appearances (Starts) | 41 (32) |
| Minutes Played | 3040 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “City have come to the realisation that they’re going to have to make a statement signing.
“They’ve got to shake things up a bit, because this season has been well below standards.
“It does seem that there is a lot of interest in Wirtz.
“At his sort of valuation, I think City are actually the only ones who can go there right now. I don’t think even Real Madrid can afford him.
“The caveat is that talent like this may not be swayed totally by money.
“Wirtz is going to make a lot of money wherever he goes, but you’ve got to believe playing under Pep Guardiola as a young player will be a strong appeal.
“I think it’s an easier deal to do now, with Alonso heading to Real Madrid. I’m led to believe that deal is done.
“I think for the Leverkusen players, they’ll see that changing of the guard and believe the time is right to move.
“Wirtz is a talent, and he would be a statement signing for Man City. Let’s see.”
Tottenham set to block Man City’s Udogie move
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed earlier this month (16 April) that Tottenham are confident of keeping left-back Destiny Udogie at the club despite reported interest from Man City.
Guardiola‘s side will be in the market for a new marquee left-back signing this summer – with youngster Nico O’Reilly currently starting in the position.
But Spurs are confident Udogie’s long-term contract will give them sufficient leverage to reject bids in the off-season – with the Italy international’s deal running until June 2030.
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