Manchester City are set to launch a £125 million pursuit of one of Europe’s top stars despite Pep Guardiola insisting the club targeted Jude Bellingham.
It’s been an extremely underwhelming season for Man City, with their four-season chokehold on the Premier League finally set to end at the hands of Liverpool.
Guardiola’s side are at risk of only winning the Community Shield, with the FA Cup their only chance at silverware following their early Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
With City set to have their worst season in recent times, it is crucial they bounce back next campaign, and it is believed a marquee signing is the perfect way to ensure success.
According to Defensa Central, Guardiola was desperate to convince Bellingham to leave Madrid this summer, however, it has proved impossible forcing City to look elsewhere.
With Bellingham out of the question, City have turned to Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz, with the report claiming a €150m (£125.5m) bid could be made in the summer.
Wirtz has been on City’s radar for quite some time now, with the 21-year-old carrying his form from Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign into Euro 2024 and beyond.
The German youngster has a contract at Leverkusen until 2027, and City would face competition from Bayern Munich for his signature if they are to launch a bid for the midfielder.
Florian Wirtz- Getty
Man City Eye Sensational Florian Wirtz Transfer Amidst Disappointing Season
David Ornstein gives 115 charges update
City are also clouded by the uncertainty of their ongoing legal battle with the Premier League over their 115 charges.
During his latest Q&A on The Athletic, David Ornstein provided an update on when a verdict can be expected.
He wrote: “People have been saying things like ‘imminent’, ‘this week’, ‘tomorrow’ for ages now, and that shows most of us simply don’t know – probably only a small number involved in the process do.
“The expectation at Man City has been ‘spring’, and if that’s the case, we’re into that. However, it’d also mean we could be waiting until late June!”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Transfer News, Football, Champions League
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a massive £125 million swoop for Bayer Leverkusen's sensational attacker, Florian Wirtz. This move comes despite reports suggesting Pep Guardiola initially prioritized a move for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
This season has been far from the dominant displays Manchester City fans have come to expect. Their reign over the Premier League, after four consecutive titles, is on the verge of ending, with Liverpool poised to snatch the crown.
Under Pep Guardiola's guidance, the team is facing the possibility of a trophyless season, excluding the Community Shield. Their FA Cup campaign represents their last chance for major silverware after a disappointing early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid.
Acknowledging what is shaping up to be their most challenging season in recent years, Manchester City are determined to stage a strong comeback next season. A significant, statement signing is seen as crucial to revitalizing the squad and ensuring a return to their winning ways.
According to reports from Defensa Central, Pep Guardiola had set his sights on luring Jude Bellingham away from Real Madrid this summer. However, the Spanish giants have proven unwilling to part with their prized asset, forcing Manchester City to explore alternative options in the transfer market.
With a move for Bellingham deemed unattainable, the Premier League champions have reportedly shifted their focus to Florian Wirtz. The German international has been lighting up the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Sources indicate that a substantial bid of €150 million, approximately £125.5 million, could be launched this summer to secure his services.
Florian Wirtz, still only 21 years old, has been on Manchester City's radar for some time. He has seamlessly carried his exceptional form from Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season into Euro 2024 and beyond, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's most exciting young talents.
Wirtz is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027, which puts Leverkusen in a strong negotiating position. Manchester City are likely to face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, who are also reportedly keen admirers of the young attacking midfielder, should they formalize their interest with a bid.
Florian Wirtz - Getty
Premier League Charges Loom Over City's Transfer Plans
Adding to the complexity of Manchester City's summer plans is the unresolved matter of the Premier League's 115 charges against the club for alleged financial rule breaches. This legal cloud of uncertainty could impact their transfer activity and overall strategy.
Football insider David Ornstein provided an update on the anticipated timeline for a verdict during a recent Q&A session on The Athletic.
According to Ornstein, "People have been speculating about timelines, suggesting 'imminent' verdicts, even 'this week' or 'tomorrow,' for a considerable time. This simply highlights that most individuals, including those in the media, lack concrete information. It's likely only a select few directly involved in the proceedings possess definitive knowledge."
He further noted, "The general expectation within Man City has been for a resolution in 'spring.' If that timeframe holds true, we are currently within that window. However, ‘spring’ could extend as late as the end of June, meaning the waiting game may continue for several more months."
**Key Takeaways:**
- Manchester City are targeting Florian Wirtz with a potential £125 million bid.
- Pep Guardiola initially wanted Jude Bellingham but has been forced to consider alternatives.
- Man City are facing a disappointing season and need a major signing to bounce back.
- Bayern Munich could provide competition for Wirtz's signature.
- Uncertainty surrounding the Premier League charges could affect City's summer plans.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Transfer News, Football, Champions League
What do you think about Man City potentially signing Florian Wirtz? Is he the right player to revitalize their squad? Join the conversation in the comments below!