The Manchester City Connection
Pep Guardiola’s approach to football is more than just a coaching philosophy—it’s a way of life.
The core belief that “take the ball, pass the ball” has shaped his success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
This mantra is rooted in his time learning from Johan Cruyff, and while it wasn’t always easy for Guardiola to grasp, particularly when he was nicknamed ‘Pep Two Feet’ by Michael Laudrup for taking too many touches in training, it’s now second nature to him.
Today, he’s the ultimate teacher, refining players’ skills and helping them elevate their game.
It’s no wonder, then, that Guardiola has his eyes set on Florian Wirtz.
As Manchester City continues to overhaul its squad, following a bold £185million investment in January, the addition of the young German midfielder would be a significant move.
Wirtz’s style is perfect for the way Guardiola likes to play—he has the ability to control the pace of the game, distributing passes effortlessly and setting up quick counterattacks.
With his socks often pulled halfway up his calves and his smooth, composed style of play, Wirtz stands out on the pitch, and he’s quickly become one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.
A Rising Star in Germany
Wirtz has flourished under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, becoming an integral part of their success.
Last season, he played a key role in their historic undefeated Bundesliga campaign, which included a memorable 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich.
His performance that night was spectacular—creating chaos for Bayern with his precise passing and clever movement.
Wirtz is known for his versatility, using both feet with ease, whether it’s making a simple pass or executing a delicate flick to set up a teammate.
I had the chance to observe Leverkusen’s training session in December 2023 before a Europa League match against Molde.
Alonso, much like Guardiola, places a huge emphasis on retaining possession and building play from the back.
He’s clearly had a big impact on his squad, and it’s evident that Wirtz is one of his key players.
Alonso has spoken often about how he aims to take Wirtz to the next level, knowing that the young star has the potential to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
The Transfer Drama
Given his immense talent, Wirtz is expected to make the jump to the Champions League, and likely sooner rather than later.
The question is: how long will he remain at Leverkusen? Guardiola is undoubtedly hoping for a move this summer, and while that might be on the cards, Leverkusen is not about to let him go easily.
Reports suggest that Manchester City could land Wirtz for around £85m (€100m), but Leverkusen are far from convinced that they’ll accept such a low offer.
The German club is currently in talks with Wirtz to extend his contract, which runs until 2027, but there’s a chance they’ll add an additional year to his deal, making his release clause in 2026 worth a hefty £104m (€125m).
If Wirtz doesn’t sign that extension, Leverkusen will still be unwilling to sell him cheaply this summer.
They would only consider a deal at their asking price of £125m (€150m), a figure that reflects his extraordinary talent and potential.
Guardiola and Manchester City may recognize just how valuable Wirtz is, but it’s clear that securing him will require a significant investment.
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