Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has held talks with Florian Wirtz. Guardiola reportedly outlined Wirtz’s potential role in his team, suggesting he would replace Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City is allegedly willing to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s €150 million valuation of Wirtz and offer him an annual salary of approximately €25 million.
Pep Guardiola Holds Talks with Florian Wirtz as Manchester City Line Up €150M Kevin De Bruyne Successor
In what could be the next major move in Manchester City’s long-term strategy, manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly held direct talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s star midfielder Florian Wirtz, outlining his vision for the German international as the heir to Kevin De Bruyne.
According to sources close to the negotiation, Guardiola sees Wirtz as the perfect fit to take over the creative reins at the Etihad once De Bruyne’s contract expires in 2025 — or possibly even earlier, amid growing speculation around the Belgian’s potential summer exit.
> “Guardiola laid out a clear plan for Florian,” said a source familiar with the conversation. “He told him, you’re not just joining the team — you’re coming in to lead it.”
City Ready to Trigger €150M Deal
Manchester City is said to be fully prepared to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s €150 million asking price, a figure that reflects Wirtz’s meteoric rise and instrumental role in helping Leverkusen dominate the Bundesliga this season under Xabi Alonso.
The club is also reportedly offering the 21-year-old a staggering €25 million per year salary, making him one of the highest-paid young talents in the world if the deal goes through.
Wirtz: Europe’s Most Wanted
Florian Wirtz has become one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders, with his combination of creativity, vision, technical brilliance, and maturity well beyond his years. His ability to play as a central playmaker, a roaming No. 10, or even out wide makes him a dream signing for Guardiola’s tactical fluidity.
This season, Wirtz has racked up double digits in both goals and assists, leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic campaign and earning comparisons to players like Kai Havertz and Mesut Özil — but with a more consistent impact.
Replacing a Legend
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne — arguably the greatest playmaker in Premier League history — won’t be easy. But Guardiola reportedly told Wirtz during their conversation:
> “You won’t fill his shoes — you’ll write your own story. But this is where you become world-class.”
The Race Is On
While Manchester City appears to be leading the race, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and even Liverpool are also monitoring the situation. However, City’s financial muscle, Guardiola’s persuasive power, and the promise of being a focal point in a world-class system may give them the upper hand.
A New Era at the Etihad?
If Kevin De Bruyne is indeed nearing the end of his time in Manchester, Florian Wirtz could be the face of the next generation. Young, hungry, and brimming with potential, he represents not just a signing — but a statement of continued dominance.
Stay tuned — this could be the blockbuster that defines City’s future.