MAN CITY PREPARE £125M BID FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN'S FLORIAN WIRTZ AFTER CLUB BRASS REJECT PEP GUARDIOLA'S PUSH FOR JUDE BELLINGHAM RAID ON REAL MADRID
Manchester City are ready to shatter their transfer record with a staggering £125 million bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, after Pep Guardiola’s ambitious push to lure Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid was vetoed by the club’s hierarchy.
Why City Have Shifted Focus to Wirtz
According to The Times, Guardiola had identified Bellingham as his dream midfield reinforcement following the England star’s sensational debut season at Madrid (23 goals, 12 assists). However, City’s board deemed a move for the 20-year-old "impossible" given Madrid’s firm stance and Bellingham’s €1 billion release clause.
Wirtz, 21, has now emerged as City’s primary target after orchestrating Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win under Xabi Alonso. The German playmaker registered 18 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, showcasing the creativity and press resistance Guardiola craves.
Leverkusen’s Stance: A Summer Saga in the Making
While Leverkusen are determined to keep Wirtz for at least one more season, sources indicate they’d consider offers above £120 million—a fee that would make him the most expensive German player ever. CEO Fernando Carro recently admitted: "We know top clubs will come for Florian. Our job is to prepare for every scenario."
How Wirtz Fits Guardiola’s Puzzle
Kevin De Bruyne succession: At 33, KDB’s minutes need managing; Wirtz can operate as a false nine or advanced No. 10
Bernardo Silva insurance: With Silva again linked to Barcelona, Wirtz offers similar tactical flexibility
Haaland synergy: His league-high 2.7 key passes per game would feed City’s prolific striker
The Bellingham Backstory
Guardiola had reportedly urged City to test Madrid’s resolve after Bellingham’s father, Mark, privately expressed concerns about the midfielder’s workload (4,132 minutes played in 2023/24). However, Los Blancos president Florentino Pérez immediately shut down talks, telling associates: "Jude is untouchable."
What’s Next?
City’s opening bid is expected after Euro 2024, where Wirtz’s performances for Germany could further inflate his value. Leverkusen hope Alonso’s continued presence might persuade their star to stay, but a British record offer may force their hand.
For Guardiola, landing Wirtz would represent a significant consolation prize—a player capable of defining City’s next era.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments