For months, major clubs on the continent had been following him. His season has been spectacular. His growth, unstoppable.
At just 21 years old, he has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the market. His maturity, his vision of the game, and his ability to disrupt have been key to leading one of the most exciting projects in German soccer.
Manchester City | @ManCity
Barça had him on the agenda
FC Barcelona's sports management, with Joan Laporta and Deco at the helm, identified him as a strategic opportunity.
Hansi Flick also gave the green light. He knew him well. He had followed him closely and saw him as a player capable of marking an era in the blaugrana midfield.
The idea was clear: if there was economic leeway, he would be one of the major bets of the summer.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
As in so many other occasions, the Catalan club's financial problems prevented any real approach. The player's entourage knew it. They valued the interest, but also the impossibility of competing with other offers.
There appeared a club with all the resources and a coach who has wanted him from the first minute.
Guardiola had him marked in red
From the Etihad Stadium, they didn't hesitate. His name topped the list of priority signings for the summer of 2025.
The Catalan coach not only considers him the natural replacement for his great star. He also believes he can become the new creative leader of the citizen project. The offer was clear, firm, and quick, and the player replied in the same way.
Pep Guardiola | @ManCityES
According to British and German media, there is already a verbal agreement with his entourage. Only the final signature is missing. The contract includes a considerable salary increase, a leading role, and an ideal competitive environment for his development.
The operation is around 90 million euros. An investment that Manchester City considers strategic for its immediate future.
Bayern tried to react, but it was already too late
The Bavarian giant also wanted to bid. They were interested, probed his situation, and considered a possible return.
But the player had already made his decision. He wants to make the leap to the Premier. He wants to be coached by Guardiola.
He sees no reason to wait any longer. The official announcement is very close.
In Barça's locker room, the news has not gone unnoticed, Pedri and Dani Olmo were following him closely. Both agreed in seeing him as an ideal signing to accompany them in the midfield. But now they can only watch as another German talent slips away to England.
Yes, the player who has rejected Barça to play for Manchester City is Florian Wirtz. The Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder, Bundesliga champion, has chosen Guardiola's team as his new destination. His quality is indisputable, his progression, astonishing, and his future, from now on, will wear sky blue at the Etihad.
