Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement to pay a huge fee of €100 million (R2 billion) for the midfielder they see as Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term successor.
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The Belgian playmaker is on the cusp of playing his final campaign for the Citizens. The 33-year-old confirmed earlier this season that the 2024/25 term would be his last at the Etihad Stadium, bringing an end to a decade-long stay with the Sky Blues.
De Bruyne signed for City from Wolfsburg in 2015, and in a near full-circle manner, the Premier League juggernauts now look to the Bundesliga for his heir apparent.
According to Sky Sports, the Mancunians have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as a marquee acquisition for the upcoming transfer window. It is claimed that Die Schwarzroten have reached a verbal agreement with City over a €100 million (R2 billion) transfer fee.
However, the same report suggests a stumbling block remains for Pep Guardiola’s side — Bayern Munich.
It is understood that Wirtz and his family favour a move to the Allianz Arena, with Bayern reportedly willing to offer the German international a salary of €25 million (R508 million) per season.
City, meanwhile, are believed to have a wage structure that does not allow any player to earn more than their manager. The proposed figure for Wirtz would exceed that threshold, presenting a significant obstacle for the reigning Premier League champions.
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Leverkusen, for their part, are reportedly only willing to entertain negotiations with their domestic rivals if Bayern table an offer of €150 million (R3 billion) — significantly higher than the fee City are said to have agreed upon.
It now remains to be seen which of the two European powerhouses will come out on top in the race for one of Germany’s most sought-after young stars.
