Manchester City’s Jack Grealish hands Liverpool major boost in Florian Wirtz talks | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly told club bosses he would love to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City to replace Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz has given the go-ahead to complete a sensational move to Anfield this summer as Liverpool remain in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen to work out details of an agreement that is likely to cost in excess of €130 million.

The 22-year-old has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe this summer, with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich also holding a strong interest but eventually accepting defeat in their pursuit.

City had identified Wirtz as their preferred replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne, who has reportedly agreed a two-year move to Napoli after being told by officials at the Etihad Stadium that he does not feature in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, the Germany international has decided to move to Anfield and join forces with Arne Slot on Merseyside after a Premier League winning campaign for the Reds, who have also signed Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to new two-year deals.

As for Bayer Leverkusen, they are resigned to losing Wirtz this summer as talks continue with Liverpool, which will leave a significant gap in the club’s attacking positions but almost certainly be addressed when the transfer window reopens in mid-July.

Now, according to a new report from The Sun, newly-appointed Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag is a huge fan of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and has told club bosses he would love to bring the 29-year-old in to replace Florian Wirtz.

City are believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £40-50 million for Grealish this summer and while a loan could also materialise, a permanent transfer is what the England international and the club would collectively prefer.

Sources close to Grealish have revealed City’s record signing is attracted by the prospect of playing abroad as he looks to revitalise his club and international career(s) ahead of what will be a crucial 2025/26 campaign by all accounts.

With Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa also credited with an interest, Grealish knows he needs to be playing regularly for his club to be in contention for a recall to the England squad under Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel has made it clear that Grealish stands no chance to securing a seat on the plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he will not play week-in, week-out for his club in the new season and that means the forward has a huge few months ahead to map out the next chapter.

Grealish is understood to be preferring to stay in England and play in the UEFA Champions League as representatives work actively to find him a new club, but it remains to be seen whether a top Premier League side will look to place a bet on the Manchester City man.