The summer market heats up: Bayern and City will face more competition for Florian Wirtz

The future of Florian Wirtz remains a subject of interest for major European clubs, primarily Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The Bavarians have set the 21-year-old winger as a priority target for next summer. Not surprisingly, Max Eberl, the club's sporting director, has already initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen.

In Germany, media outlets like 'BILD' and 'SKY Sports' report that the Bavarian team is preparing a mega offer exceeding 100 million euros to sign the Leverkusen 'star'. The Munich team already spent 95 million on Harry Kane a couple of years ago, which has so far been the most expensive signing in the club's history.

Well, the Englishman is very close to being relegated to second place in terms of investments for Bayern, although his status as the highest-paid player in the squad (25.2M € gross) is unlikely to change. Initially, Wirtz's salary is expected to be around 10M € gross per season, more than double what he currently earns with the Bayer team (4.5M €).

Manchester City is not falling behind in the 'race' for Florian Wirtz

However, Manchester City has an "advantage" in the race to sign Wirtz this summer, as Christian Falk reports. The agent Giovanni Branchini is said to be working to convince the player to join the Manchester team.

Additionally, Leverkusen would prefer to sell Wirtz to City rather than Bayern, considering that the English club has shown greater interest and would not want to provide a 'top' reinforcement to a direct rival for the Bundesliga.

However, recent reports suggest that Wirtz may have set aside the City option and is seriously negotiating with Bayern Munich. Wirtz, 21, has had an exceptional performance this season, scoring 15 goals and providing another 13 assists in 39 matches (2,916 minutes).

The future of Wirtz remains uncertain, with conflicting reports about his preferences. While some suggest he prefers to stay in the Bundesliga, others indicate that the player is open to trying his luck in another 'top' league.

Florian Wirtz's stance on leaving Leverkusen

Beyond the rumors, Florian Wirtz has made the decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer and believes that it is the right time to make the leap to an elite club. Currently, his position seems to lean towards continuing in the Bundesliga, with Allianz Arena as the most likely destination.

Although Manchester City has shown interest and is willing to make a significant offer, the player from Pulheim has set that option aside and is seriously negotiating with the Munich team. The possibility of competing on big stages and fighting for titles in his home country seems to be a key factor in his decision.

On the other hand, Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern, has acknowledged that the operation is complicated due to the high cost of the transfer and the player's salary. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz's agents, primarily his father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, play a crucial role in negotiations with clubs interested in the player:

In fact, it is most likely that it will be his father who will "give the green light" to any transfer operation. In the coming days, a meeting will take place between Wirtz's agents and the interested clubs to discuss possible offers not only from City and Bayern. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and PSG are also keeping an eye on the future of the 21-year-old player.

Likewise, Florian's agents are not closing the door to negotiations for a possible new contract with Bayer Leverkusen, which would include a release clause. Beyond this, despite the rumors, Florian Wirtz's agent recently denied being involved in negotiations regarding a transfer to Manchester City, demonstrating his role in managing public information about the player's future.

Other clubs interested in Florian Wirtz

• Real Madrid: The Spanish club sees the winger as a unique market opportunity and is prepared to make a significant investment for the attacking midfielder, as long as Vinicius Jr.'s departure is confirmed.
• Manchester United: The English club is involved in the race for Wirtz and could compete with similar offers. For coach Rúben Amorim, the upcoming summer market will be crucial to rebuild a competitive squad at Old Trafford.
• Chelsea: They have also been mentioned as one of the teams interested in the talented German player, although the extensive 'blue' squad complicates the position where Enzo Maresca could fit the Leverkusen '10'.
• Paris Saint-Germain: The French club is among the European giants willing to pay around 150 million for Wirtz.

Florian Wirtz's market value currently stands at 140 million euros on Transfermarkt and several of these clubs would be willing to approach that figure to secure his signing. The competition for his signature is intense, which could further raise the final price of the transfer. Who will be the lucky club able to sign the German star?