Man City still in the race to sign Bundesliga star | OneFootball

Man City Await Wirtz Decision as Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies

City’s playmaker plan rests on family power struggle

As Manchester City edge towards an era without Kevin De Bruyne, their gaze has settled — longingly, expectantly — on Florian Wirtz. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, a vision in progressive metres and pre-assist potential, is more than just a target. According to The Daily Mail, he is the number one name on City’s list to occupy the creative vacuum De Bruyne will leave behind.

Photo IMAGO

But even in the hyper-rational corridors of the Etihad’s recruitment department, emotion and familial loyalties still wield influence. The Wirtz saga has developed into a melodrama of cross-generational pull. His father, entrenched in Bayern Munich’s orbit, is reportedly pushing hard for the Allianz Arena. His mother? A sentimental leaning toward stability — and perhaps one more year of familiarity at Leverkusen.

Strategic silence and quiet optimism at City

Manchester City’s approach, according to sources, has been one of strategic patience. There’s been no formal rejection, no green light either — just a vague haze of “still deciding.” What complicates matters is that Wirtz himself appears more open to the Premier League than he once was. And that shift has not gone unnoticed.

Photo IMAGO

The symmetry with the Leroy Sané saga is hard to ignore: mother versus father, partner versus career logic. History rhymes in football, even if it doesn’t repeat. In Wirtz’s case, his close friendship with Bayern’s Jamal Musiala adds another subplot. There are whispers that a move to Munich could improve his chances of a guaranteed World Cup role with Germany. But that logic — like so much of this — feels more speculative than strategic.

No Plan B on the boardroom whiteboard

For now, City’s interest remains locked in. There is, strikingly, no clear backup plan. “At this point, Wirtz is the only player in that position who we’re aware that there is absolute concrete interest in,” the report says. The fallback option may lie within: Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb or even Omar Marmoush. Each has flair. None, however, quite matches Wirtz’s ability to orchestrate tempo and torment.

Photo IMAGO

City rebuild clouded by uncertainty

This summer rebuild, while planned, still hinges on dominoes yet to fall. Some key decisions may wait for departures to fund arrivals. But for now, City are watching, waiting — eyes not on a scout report, but on a family dinner table somewhere in Germany.

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The waiting game over Florian Wirtz is as maddening as it is exciting for City supporters. You don’t often find your club chasing just one target in such a critical area, especially when that area happens to be the De Bruyne role. It speaks volumes about how highly City rate him — and how much they believe in getting this one right.

Photo: IMAGO

The comparisons to the Sané situation will bring back mixed memories, but there’s cautious optimism this time. If Wirtz’s reported openness to City has increased, that’s not just progress — it’s promise. Especially now, with Pep’s side needing fresh legs and a new creative hub.

What’s frustrating is the sense of powerlessness. All the planning, scouting and data modelling in the world still gives way to parental persuasion and friendship groups. It feels like elite football meets family drama — a Netflix pitch waiting to happen.

But if City land Wirtz, it’s a statement. Not just about replacing a legend, but about shaping a new era around a generational talent.