Florian Wirtz Transfer Saga Intensifies as Manchester City Enters the Fray

In a dramatic twist to one of the summer’s most anticipated transfer sagas, Bayer Leverkusen’s star midfielder Florian Wirtz has been spotted in Manchester alongside his parents, fueling speculation of a potential move to Premier League champions Manchester City.

The 22-year-old German international, who tallied an impressive 16 goals and 15 assists in the 2024/25 season, is now at the center of a high-stakes tug-of-war between City and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Reports indicate that Wirtz and his family traveled to Manchester on Tuesday for a clandestine meeting with City officials, including manager Pep Guardiola. The purpose: to discuss a potential transfer that would see Wirtz fill the creative void left by the departing Kevin De Bruyne. Sources suggest that Manchester City has already submitted a formal offer to Bayer Leverkusen, signaling their serious intent to secure the midfielder’s services.

While Bayern Munich has long been considered the frontrunner for Wirtz’s signature, recent developments have cast doubt on the certainty of this move.

Hans Wirtz, Florian’s father and agent, has publicly denied any existing agreement with Bayern, emphasizing their openness to other opportunities. Leverkusen, for its part, appears more inclined to negotiate with foreign clubs, potentially preferring a deal with Manchester City over strengthening a domestic rival.

Leverkusen’s management remains cautiously optimistic about retaining Wirtz, with CEO Fernando Carro stating that no official contact has been made with Bayern and that any departure would largely depend on the player’s intentions. However, the club’s willingness to authorize discussions with other teams suggests a pragmatic approach to the situation.