Manchester City’s hopes of signing Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star, Florian Wirtz, have just taken a major hit as the Bundesliga club seems set to block any January transfer offers. With Pep Guardiola’s squad facing injuries and uncertainty around key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, City’s need for midfield reinforcements has never been more urgent.
Wirtz, a 21-year-old sensation, has been pegged as the perfect fit for Guardiola’s dynamic system. But despite Manchester City’s clear interest, Bayer Leverkusen is refusing to sell their prized gem midseason, with summer 2025 now looking like the likely transfer window for the young star’s move.
The competition, however, is fierce. Real Madrid, eyeing a future without some of their aging stars, has thrown their hat into the ring. And it seems the Spanish giants have the upper hand, with Wirtz’s agent, Volker Struth, already close to Madrid and the potential arrival of Xabi Alonso as the new Real Madrid manager next summer. This could give the La Liga side a major advantage, as Alonso is Wirtz’s current coach at Leverkusen and shares a strong bond with him.
While City remains focused on their midfield overhaul, the road to Wirtz looks rocky. With Guardiola’s contract extension providing some stability, Manchester City will need to rethink their strategy if they hope to secure the German international or pivot to other targets. As the transfer race heats up, it remains to be seen whether City can stay ahead of Real Madrid’s surge for Wirtz.
