Manchester City are now considering moves for Morgan Gibbs-White and Dani Olmo. According to a recent BBC Sport report, City have decided not to pursue a summer transfer for Florian Wirtz because of the high cost involved in signing the German from Bayer Leverkusen.
The club is concerned that the deal would be too expensive, potentially becoming the most expensive in City’s history, with an estimated total of around €300 million (£252 million/$337 million) including salary and transfer fees.
With several veteran players expected to leave, Manchester City plan to restructure their squad after experiencing their first trophyless season since 2017.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Manchester City pull out of the race to sign Florian Wirtz.
— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) May 19, 2025
Bayern Munich & Liverpool remain in race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star, via @SamiMokbel_BBC #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/39rqlXSG1W
There have also been rumors linking Wirtz with a move to Liverpool, where his Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong underwent a medical on Monday. Despite having supporters at Anfield, Wirtz is widely expected to choose Bayern.
Regarded by many as one of Europe’s most talented young players, the German international played a key role in Xabi Alonso’s team’s Bundesliga victory over Bayern last season. This season, Wirtz has appeared in 41 matches across all competitions, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists.
Morgan Gibbs-White on Manchester City’s radar to replace Kevin De Bruyne
Morgan Gibbs-White is still on Manchester City’s radar after the team’s attempt to sign Florian Wirtz to replace Kevin De Bruyne apparently failed.
🚨🔵 Manchester City plan to advance on Morgan Gibbs-White deal in the next weeks as he remains one of the priority targets.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2025
No issues are expected on personal terms but work to do with Nottingham Forest as they still hope to keep MGW. pic.twitter.com/k67RBKu8an
After deciding not to offer the Belgian a new contract at the Etihad, City opted to end their remarkable partnership with De Bruyne this season. Guardiola, keen to inject youth into the squad following their disappointing trophyless campaign, has shown interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star Wirtz this summer.
The 22-year-old is seen as the perfect candidate to fill the gap left by De Bruyne at City and is widely considered one of the best young attacking midfielders in the game.
Wirtz chooses Bayern as City eye move for Olmo
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Florian Wirtz has decided to join Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Hugo Viana and his team are working on a backup plan similar to Dani Olmo, a player Pep Guardiola often values.
A recent report from Sky Sports France suggests that Manchester City might target Barcelona’s star Olmo this season instead. They had considered signing him from RB Leipzig last summer. Guardiola will be hoping Olmo can become part of the squad for the upcoming campaign.
