‘Man City ready to smash record for Florian Wirtz after new twist’
Florian Wirtz has been identified by Man City as their number one choice to replace departing legend Kevin De Bruyne this summer.
It has been widely reported that they are ready to make a mega-money move for the Bayer Leverkusen star when the transfer window opens next month.
In a new twist, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on Wednesday (14 May) that Premier League champions Liverpool have made contact with the attacking midfielder’s camp.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich also remain in the hunt and would give Wirtz the chance to remain in Germany.
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 what Man City must do to fend off interest from both clubs.
Wirtz is ‘better gamble’ than Grealish, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted a British-record bid of £125million including bonuses would secure Wirtz’s signature.
The Leverkusen star has been a regular scorer for Xabi Alonso’s side in the last two seasons and won the Bundesliga title with the club last term.
Wyness insisted spending a record-breaking fee on Wirtz is a “better gamble” than the £100million spent on Jack Grealish.
| Appearances (Starts) | 44 (35) |
| Minutes Played | 3302 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think it’s definitely going to be over £100million, and I believe there will be bonuses as well.
“He’s the right age, and he can definitely do it in the Premier League.
“Man City spent £100million on Grealish, who hasn’t quite worked out the way they hoped.
“But I think Wirtz is a better gamble. It’s going to be over £100million plus bonuses, which could take it towards the £125million mark by the time he plays those games.
“I think he’s going to be one of the signings of the season and I expect this deal to get done very quickly.”
Man City could see low-ball Eze bid accepted
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (16 May) that Crystal Palace could accept a bid of below Eberechi Eze’s release clause this summer amid interest from Man City.
Eze has a release clause of £68million at Selhurst Park which will become active again later this summer.
He could be a potential alternative to Wirtz at Man City this summer following his impressive form for Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.
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