Are Manchester City poised to make a move for a German playmaker if De Bruyne departs this summer?

Could Manchester City make a summer move for German playmaker Florian Wirtz this summer? A new report indicates that the champions may move for the Bayer Leverkusen star if Kevin De Bruyne departs City this summer. This scenario could set the scene for an interesting summer at Manchester City if it pans out.

Darren Looney has reported for caughtoffside.com that Manchester City have their eyes on German playmaker Florian Wirtz as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. Furthermore, Looney also reports that Saudi Pro League clubs and several European clubs are monitoring De Bruyne’s situation at the world champions. Looney further reports that if De Bruyne doesn’t sign a new deal at City, this summer could prove to be an ideal time to cash in on the club legend. It is also reported by Looney that offers of €150 million may see Leverkusen sell their star midfielder.

The prospect of Manchester City buying Florian Wirtz is a tantalising one but may not be a realistic option this summer.

If Kevin De Bruyne were to depart Manchester City, they would no doubt be in the market for a replacement. It would be no easy task for the champions to find a replacement for De Bruyne. But as it stands, there are no firm indications that De Bruyne is contemplating leaving the club this summer. There are also no signs that Manchester City is contemplating letting De Bruyne leave. Pep Guardiola said earlier this year that he hoped that De Bruyne would finish his career at the club.

Florian Wirtz is a player who could potentially land at the Etihad to replace De Bruyne. He has been one of the stars of Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning season. His stunning individual season has seen him score 18 goals and add 19 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions. The German playmaker has been a key part of Xabi Alonso’s sides unbeaten season to date.

While Wirtz does tick the boxes required to be a potential De Bruyne replacement, it appears that he is set to remain at Leverkusen next season. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has previously reported that Leverkusen have no intention of selling their young star this summer. Romano relayed quotes from Bayern Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro. When asked about the future of Wirtz Carro said: “Florian Wirtz will stay with us next season. The plan is clear, together with his father. There’s interest from many clubs, we can’t plan too long in football… but he’s staying”

Time will tell if Manchester City make their move for Wirtz.

Based on the available reports, it seems that any potential Manchester City move for Florian Wirtz may not take shape this summer. With Bayer Leverkusen intent on keeping their star midfielder, it does seem that the door is closed on any potential summer transfer for Wirtz.

If Kevin De Bruyne departs, it may see Manchester City test Leverkusen’s resolve to keep Wirtz. But there is a lot to play out before the Manchester City legend departs the club, and the idea of City potentially signing Wirtz becomes a realistic possibility.