Two men standing in an empty soccer stadium with blue stands and a sign on the field.
Xabi Alonso and Pep Guardiola at the Etihad | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Guardiola wants him now, he will be City's new player and Xabi Alonso didn't expect it.

Florian Wirtz has been key in Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen and was a desired player for Real Madrid, but he will go with Pep

by

Alex Moreno

Manchester City is preparing significant moves. Pep Guardiola is already thinking about the future. Although he still has to play the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, the coach already has his next target in mind: Florian Wirtz.

The young German, a key piece of Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, has caught everyone's attention. Guardiola is no exception.

Guardiola avoids talking... but leaves the door open

This Friday, Guardiola spoke at a press conference. When asked about Wirtz, he was direct but enigmatic.

"It's not the time to talk about that before the final," said the Catalan. But then he added: "I have 24 exceptional players. I'm not going to waste a minute talking about the future."

Words that, rather than closing the door, leave it ajar.

A player from Bayer Leverkusen with a pensive expression on the field.
Wirtz this season with Leverkusen | Real Madrid Confidencial

In England, they claim that Manchester City is already exploring options to sign Wirtz. It won't be easy. The German attacking midfielder has a contract and a high market value.

But at the Etihad, they are willing to make a significant investment. Guardiola sees him as the natural successor to De Bruyne in the medium term.

Surprise for Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso didn't expect it. The Basque coach built a champion team with Wirtz as the central piece. His departure would be a severe blow to Leverkusen.

Moreover, the player was key in the Bundesliga title last season. Wirtz has excelled in both seasons, creating play, scoring goals, and assisting his teammates.

Two men pose together, one with a dark sweater and the other with a Bayer Leverkusen sports jacket.
Xabi Alonso and Wirtz | Real Madrid Confidencial

Wirtz would fit perfectly into Guardiola's style. He possesses technique, vision, goals, and a lot of tactical intelligence. Everything City is looking for.

At 21 years old, he is already considered one of the best offensive midfielders in the world. His room for improvement is still enormous.

The market heats up

Manchester City's interest in Wirtz will activate other big clubs. Bayern, Real Madrid, and PSG also have him on their agenda.

But Guardiola wants to move quickly. He knows that if he waits, he could lose the race.

Wirtz is the new big target. If City accelerates, it could be the first big bomb of the market. Although Xabi Alonso won't be pleased.

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