Confirmed: Man City END interest in Florian Wirtz

Cameron Smith

19 May 2025 09:40 CDT
4 min read

Pep Guardiola, Florian Wirtz, Man City — © IMAGO

Manchester City have reportedly withdrawn from contention to sign Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz due to fears over the cost of a potential deal.

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The Germany international has established himself as one of the best players in world football over the past few years and he has been tipped to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer amid interest from a plethora of elite clubs.

Current ETV

Florian Wirtz

AM (C)

Bayer 04

Florian Wirtz

AM (C)

Bayer 04

ETV Range

€104.8M - €128.1M

Bayern Munich and Liverpool are both eyeing a possible move, with the former currently leading the race for his signature, while Real Madrid are also interested, amid the imminent appointment of Xabi Alonso.

Man City are long-term admirers of Wirtz too, although BBC Sport have revealed that Pep Guardiola’s side are no longer interested in signing the 22-year-old as they are concerned a deal could reach €300 million when including his transfer fee and wages.

As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers in early April, Man City believe a deal for Wirtz would be too expensive, and they are therefore set to pursue alternative targets amid their push to sign a suitable replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium legend will leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires at the end of June and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White remains on Man City’s radar as they chase a new attacking midfielder.

© IMAGO - Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen

Man City eye Rayan Cherki

FootballTransfers understands that Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki is also under consideration by Man City, with Guardiola’s side identifying him as a far cheaper alternative to Wirtz.

The France U21 international is set to be available for around €30m and he has confirmed that he will be leaving Lyon this summer in search of a new opportunity.

Cherki scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for Lyon during the 2024-25 campaign, and he is wanted by a number of top European clubs, including Man City.

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