Pep Guardiola ‘a big fan’ of potential Kevin De Bruyne successor; one of the best creators in Europe

Published on 2024-01-19 08:21:20

Pep Guardiola seems to have a strong interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with the midfielder being touted as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. Christian Falk reports that Manchester City has a significant opportunity to acquire the Pulheim-born ace if they make their move in 2025.

Falk shared in an exclusive column with CaughtOffside that Leverkusen is clear in their stance regarding Wirtz, expressing his desire to stay until 2025 if the club secures Champions League football and Xabi Alonso remains in charge. However, there is an agreement within the club that Wirtz could leave for a minimum fee of €130 million, with some discussion of a €150 million minimum. Falk believes that only Manchester City can afford this amount and is genuinely interested in the player, while other potential suitors such as Bayern Munich are likely to be priced out of the race.

Wirtz’s versatility as a player is appealing to Guardiola, who sees him as a potential successor to De Bruyne, with the ability to play multiple positions. Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, has emerged as a surprise package in the Bundesliga this season, currently leading the table after 17 games played.

Despite the substantial price tag, Wirtz’s performance statistics make him a highly sought-after talent. The German international has contributed to 20 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season. In addition, his exceptional skill as an attacking midfielder and wide man has caught the attention of top clubs, with Wirtz displaying aptitude in creating scoring opportunities and successful dribbling.

Furthermore, Wirtz’s passing accuracy and ability to retain possession have also impressed, making him an attractive prospect for Guardiola and Manchester City. As a result, the club may have a significant chance of securing Wirtz’s services if they decide to make a move for the young talent. With his remarkable abilities and potential, Wirtz is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for the future and could potentially fill the void left by De Bruyne.