Manchester City have pulled out of the race to sign Florian Wirtz, a decision that sent ripples through the European transfer market but perhaps not shockwaves inside the Etihad.
Once seen as the natural successor to Kevin De Bruyne, the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was firmly on City’s radar following another electric campaign in which he tallied 31 goal involvements across competitions. Wirtz was more than a target—he was the blueprint for a future midfield built around craft, tempo, and relentless drive. But in the end, City calculated the cost and walked away.
A reported $326 million package in transfer fees and wages was simply too steep. Club executives concluded that the deal, while tempting on footballing merit, did not meet their long-held principle of value-for-money. That philosophy has seen them back off high-profile pursuits in the past—from Harry Kane to Fred—and pivot instead to smarter acquisitions like Erling Haaland and Rodri.
Where Wirtz may go next
For Wirtz, the path forward now appears to circle back to his home league. Bayern Munich, who watched Leverkusen break their Bundesliga stronghold this past season, are reportedly confident of securing the midfielder. Some outlets have even gone as far as suggesting that Wirtz has verbally agreed to join the German champions, though this has been contested by other German media.
Liverpool remain a wildcard. While they are expected to finalize the signing of Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong in the coming days, Anfield officials have also reportedly submitted a five-year contract offer for Wirtz. But there’s growing belief inside the club—and across Europe—that Bayern will not be beaten to the punch.
City, meanwhile, have shifted their focus. Phil Foden is now more firmly positioned as the club’s creative lynchpin moving forward. Internally, this is seen as a vote of confidence in Foden’s continued development in the central playmaking role. Externally, the club has drawn up a new shortlist. Among the names under consideration is Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who impressed this season with his energy, technical control, and tactical versatility.
Wirtz’s decision—wherever he lands—will be about more than just football. The player’s tight-knit family, his reputation for humility, and his carefully curated rise through German football suggest a move driven by culture and continuity as much as ambition. If he stays in the Bundesliga, it will not be out of fear of a step up, but rather a measured belief that his next step should still feel like home.
City’s exit from the race was not a failure of ambition. It was a reflection of how the modern elite spend big but only when the equation balances. For now, the price of Wirtz simply does not.
