Manchester City plan to spend big on Florian Wirtz after it became evident Jude Bellingham doesn’t want to join

Manchester City plan to spend big on Florian Wirtz after it became evident Jude Bellingham doesn’t want to join

Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz, Manchester City

Manchester City plan to spend big on Florian Wirtz after it became evident Jude Bellingham doesn’t want to join

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly ‘insisting’ on the signing of Jude Bellingham, but £125million has been set aside for a backup option.

 

Bellingham has spent almost two years with Real Madrid, and his status as one of the world’s best players is evident. In his first campaign, he was directly involved in 36 goals, and won La Liga and the Champions League.

 

This season, the midfielder has 22 direct goal contributions to his name, and could once again win some big trophies.

 

As a result, reports in Spain suggest Man City are desperate to land him. It’s stated manager Guardiola ‘insists’ on landing the midfielder, though it’s quickly become clear it’s ‘impossible’ as Bellingham doesn’t want to move.

 

If reports from 2023 which stated he didn’t want to join City as they were deemed a ‘plastic club’ were indeed true, that’s not a surprise.

 

Instead of Bellingham, City have set an enormous amount of money aside for another star midfielder, Florian Wirtz. The Bayer Leverkusen man has been directly involved in 28 goals this season, and it’s believed City ‘want to pay’ €150million (£125.4m) for his services.

 

He would become the most expensive player they have ever signed if he were to join for that figure. Real are also said to be keeping an eye on Wirtz, but aren’t properly considering him given they have Bellingham, and spent a lot of money to sign him.

 

That said, the German would apparently like to go to Real if possible, but is aware it would be difficult.

 

As such, it’s suggested it is ‘logical that he’s considering City’. The signing of such an in form player for an enormous fee would be a massive statement from the fallen Premier League champions that they plan to come straight back for their crown after they are almost certain to lose it this season.

 

 

Manchester City are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s prodigious midfielder, Florian Wirtz, following indications that Jude Bellingham is not inclined to join the Premier League champions. This strategic shift underscores City’s commitment to rejuvenating their midfield and securing top-tier talent to maintain their competitive edge.

 

Background on Florian Wirtz

 

Florian Wirtz, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents. Since making his professional debut for Bayer Leverkusen in May 2020, Wirtz has amassed over 118 appearances, contributing 29 goals and 39 assists. His vision, technical prowess, and versatility have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, positioning him as a sought-after asset in the transfer market.

 

Manchester City’s Midfield Dynamics

 

Manchester City’s interest in bolstering their midfield is driven by several factors. Key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are approaching the latter stages of their careers, prompting the club to seek long-term successors. De Bruyne, who will turn 34 this June, faces an uncertain future with his contract nearing its end. Manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the need to rejuvenate the squad to sustain success.

 

Pursuit of Jude Bellingham

 

Initially, Manchester City identified Jude Bellingham as a prime target to reinforce their midfield. However, recent developments suggest that Bellingham is not inclined to join City, leading the club to explore alternative options. This has redirected their focus toward Florian Wirtz, who aligns with their strategic objectives.

 

Scouting and Interest in Wirtz

 

City’s interest in Wirtz is not newfound. The club has been monitoring his progress, with scouts reportedly attending Leverkusen matches to assess his performances firsthand. In November 2023, City representatives observed Wirtz during Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim, where he showcased his goal-scoring ability.

 

Financial Considerations

 

Acquiring Wirtz would necessitate a substantial financial commitment. Reports indicate that Manchester City are preparing a bid in the region of £125 million, potentially surpassing their previous transfer record set by Jack Grealish. Bayer Leverkusen, recognizing Wirtz’s value, are expected to demand a significant fee, especially given his contract extending until 2027.

 

Competition from Other Clubs

 

Manchester City are not alone in their admiration for Wirtz. European powerhouses such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in the German international. Bayern Munich, in particular, are keen to keep Wirtz within the Bundesliga and view him as a potential marquee signing. This competition underscores the challenge City face in securing his signature.

 

Strategic Fit at Manchester City

 

Integrating Wirtz into Manchester City’s setup could offer numerous tactical advantages. His ability to operate across various midfield roles aligns with Guardiola’s preference for versatile players. Wirtz’s creativity and vision could complement City’s attacking dynamics, potentially filling the void that may be left by De Bruyne’s eventual departure.

 

Potential Challenges

 

Despite the apparent fit, several challenges could impede the transfer. Wirtz’s commitment to Leverkusen, coupled with potential loyalty to the Bundesliga, might influence his decision. Additionally, the financial implications of such a high-profile transfer require careful consideration, especially in the context of Financial Fair Play regulations.

 

Conclusion

 

Manchester City’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz exemplifies their proactive approach to squad development and succession planning. While the acquisition would represent a significant investment, securing a player of Wirtz’s caliber could provide substantial returns on the pitch. As the transfer saga unfolds, City’s ability to navigate the complexities of negotiations and competition will be pivotal in determining the outcome.

 

 

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