Man City transfer news: Pep Guardiola ‘identifies dream Kevin De Bruyne replacement’ but deal ‘could cost £125m’

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola reportedly views Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz as his ‘dream replacement’ for Kevin De Bruyne, but it will take an astronomical fee to secure his services.

Wirtz was outstanding for Leverkusen during their enthralling 2023-24 season, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, including 11 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga.

The 21-year-old has again been in excellent form this term, managing 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances, fresh from the two goals that he scored for Germany at last summer’s European Championship.

Leverkusen have Wirtz on a contract until June 2027, but it is understood that he will be on the move this summer.

According to Bild, Man City boss Guardiola views the German as his ‘dream replacement’ for De Bruyne, with the Belgian seemingly in the latter stages of his career at the Etihad Stadium.

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Man City ‘determined’ to win the race for Wirtz

Wirtz is said to be in talks with Leverkusen over a new deal, with a release clause potentially being set at £104m, but if a fresh contract cannot be agreed, the German giants will allegedly ask for £125m from interested clubs this summer.

De Bruyne’s future at Man City is unclear, as his deal is due to expire this summer, and he has found it difficult to show his best form this season, managing only three goals and six assists in 26 appearances.

Wirtz is said to be firmly on Man City’s radar, but the Citizens will face intense competition for his signature, with Real Madrid also believed to be keen to bring him to the Spanish capital this summer.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has talked-up a potential move to Allianz Arena.

“Florian Wirtz is one of the best German players – and you know how we have handled it in recent years: We want the best players to be with us,” the Bayern CEO said, before sporting director Max Eberl claimed that his current Leverkusen deal does not include a release clause despite the recent speculation.

“If I am correctly informed, the player does not have an exit clause. We have to make sure that our finances are in order and we want to make internal transfers first. Then we will see what is possible in the summer,” Eberl added.

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Could Leverkusen keep hold of Wirtz this summer?

If Eberl is correct and there is no release clause in Wirtz’s current deal, then Leverkusen could simply refuse any offers that arrive for the German this summer, and it is not impossible to imagine him spending another campaign at BayArena.

Wirtz is certainly ready to make the step to a major club, though, and he has the talent to represent any club in world football.

It will be fascinating to see what happens with the German this summer considering the ilk of the teams interested in him, and it would be a major statement from a wounded Man City if they were able to secure what would likely be a record transfer for the club.

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