Manchester City remain interested in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but Fabrizio Romano does not expect him to leave his club this summer.
Wirtz has enjoyed a tremendous campaign so far, playing a key role for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side who are still unbeaten this season.
Wirtz, who recovered from an ACL injury ahead of this season, has made 36 appearances, scoring 11 goals and making 17 assists.
These fantastic numbers have prompted a number of transfer reports over the last few months, with City one club supposedly monitoring the player. Liverpool are also thought to be keen.
Last night, Fabrizio Romano shared what he currently knows about the youngster’s situation…
Fabrizio Romano says Florian Wirtz is likely to stay with Bayer Leverkusen this summer amid links to Manchester City
Romano was speaking on the JD Football channel last night about Wirtz.
The 20-year-old has absolutely dazzled this season for Leverkusen and it is little wonder a number of clubs are already looking at him ahead of the summer.
But it seems Wirtz may actually be more likely to stay put than move on this summer.
Romano said: “I don’t think it’s going to be this summer. I think there is a chance to see him leaving in the summer of 2025, maybe 2026. The player is really happy at Leverkusen
“At the moment, from what I’m hearing, he’s not planning to leave this summer. Also because the idea is to obviously play in the Euros with Germany. It’s a special moment for him – he doesn’t want to be distracted by transfers. Full focus on Germany. I don’t see Leverkusen selling the player in August.
“The strategy is clear, it’s to continue together for one more season at least.
“But I can confirm that many top clubs are keeping a close eye. English top clubs, you mentioned Man City and also others are always sending their scouts to follow this boy.”
Previously, it has been claimed that Leverkusen could demand as much as £111 million, but that asking price is thought to apply to this summer.
Wirtz is one for City to keep following
So it sounds very much as though it’s unlikely Wirtz will be on the move this summer, which is a bit of a shame, but totally understandable.
The talented 20-year-old has enjoyed an amazing season with Leverkusen, but it is perhaps in his best interests to remain for one more campaign.
He is still only 20, and as talented as he is, he does not want to be moving to a top club too soon.
Perhaps City may look to move for him in the summer of 2025, which is when Kevin De Bruyne‘s current contract at the Etihad Stadium expires.
It would be extremely difficult to replace the Belgian’s creative output, but the amazingly talented Wirtz might just be a long-term option.