Manchester City Reach ‘Agreement’ To Sign German International

Manchester City have reached a “principle of global agreement” to sign 29-cap German international Florian Wirtz, as reported by Sacha Tavolieri.

Manchester City Make Progress in the Race to Sign Florian Wirtz

How Has the Florian Wirtz Transfer Saga Played Out?

Wirtz has always been one of the most highly talented players in Europe. He made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen aged just 17, becoming their youngest player to play in the Bundesliga in the process. But, the German’s stock value has dramatically risen over the last two seasons as he has thrived under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has announced that he will leave Leverkusen at the end of this season, making this summer the perfect time for Wirtz to also take the next step in his career. Two clubs have expressed major interest in signing the 22-year-old, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Lyall Thomas reports that Leverkusen would rather sell to City than Bayern, whom Leverkusen see as more of a direct rival.

Tavolieri has said that City focused more on negotiating with Leverkusen and they have reached a “principle of global agreement” to sign the German. Bayern have reportedly tried to build a rapport with the player and his representatives, but Wirtz has a tremendous amount of respect for Leverkusen and is aware of the potential repercussions of moving to a rival club.

Both teams are now waiting on the attacking midfielder to make a decision, which could come as early as next week. Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Liverpool have contacted Die Werkself to express their interest in Wirtz. But, it is less clear whether the newly-crowned Premier League champions will make a concrete offer for him.

Where Would Wirtz Thrive More?

Leverkusen’s star man is undoubtedly a world-class player and he would likely excel in both Manchester and Munich, but which club would suit him more? Manchester City have an obvious void to fill in attacking midfield as Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Belgian has been City’s creative spark for the best part of a decade and Pep Guardiola will know how crucial it is that the Citizens find the Belgian’s replacement this summer.

Although City’s tactical system has changed a fair amount this season, Guardiola has always given De Bruyne fewer defensive duties and more attacking freedom, often using the Belgian as a second striker when City defend using a 4-4-2 formation.  This would perfectly suit Wirtz who is an excellent presser. He has won possession in the final third more than 97% of Bundesliga attackers, and has excellent dribbling ability which makes him great in transition.

The German also averages more assists and more expected assists per 90 than 97.3% of attackers in the German top flight, only being bested by Michael Olise. He has also created a very respectable 2.23 chances per 90 in the Bundesliga, though De Bruyne creates over three chances per 90 in the Premier League. However, if you look at the same statistic in the Champions League, Wirtz bests the Belgian.

Whilst City are losing one key attacker in the summer, Bayern Munich may lose up to three of their established frontmen. It has already been announced that Thomas Muller is leaving the Bavarians after a jaw-dropping 750 appearances for the club. Additionally, former City man Leroy Sane is out of contract in the summer, and Florian Plettenberg reported that Kingsley Coman may be set to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

This would leave a seismic void in the German Champions’ attack as they would only have Olise, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala to play in the three positions behind Harry Kane. It would allow Wirtz to join the club and be the spearhead of their future generation, achieving a level of stardom he may not be able to achieve at City alongside the likes of Erling Haaland.