Florian Wirtz has taken the enormous definitive step, the talented German midfielder has communicated to Bayer Leverkusen his irrevocable decision to leave the club next summer. After a brilliant season under Xabi Alonso's orders, the German international has attracted the interest of Europe's giants. Among them, FC Barcelona, which dreamed of incorporating him as a generational replacement in the midfield.
However, Barça has not been able to compete under fair conditions for his signing, due to the limitations of Financial Fair Play. The economic difficulties have prevented them from presenting a convincing offer. Meanwhile, Manchester City has moved quickly and convinced the player, Pep Guardiola considers him an absolute priority to strengthen his squad for the 2025/26 season.
The Catalan coach did not want to lose him under any circumstances. He believes that Florian Wirtz is above Pedri and Dani Olmo in terms of tactical intelligence, game vision, and impact capacity in the final third of the field. The opinion is shared by Hansi Flick, who also considers him a key piece for the European Championship and a future leader of Germany.
Bayern must improve the offer
According to media close to the player's environment, City has already reached a verbal agreement with his agent. The only condition to close the operation is that Bayern Munich doesn't match or exceed the offer presented this week. Although the Bavarian club is still in the fight, Florian Wirtz feels more attracted to Guardiola's project and the possibility of making the leap to the Premier League.
The contract offered by Manchester City includes a considerable salary increase, in addition to a leading role in the Catalan coach's scheme. At Etihad Stadium, they see Florian Wirtz as the natural heir to Kevin De Bruyne, a mixed profile capable of generating play and making a difference with the ball. Everything points to the transfer being closed for a figure close to 90 million euros.
Meanwhile, Barça is completely out of the race. Joan Laporta and Deco valued his signing very positively, but they never made a formal proposal. The priorities at the club now involve strengthening other less covered positions, and Wirtz's name has disappeared from Barça's radar.
Wirtz chooses Guardiola
The disappointment in the Barça board is evident. Florian Wirtz fit perfectly into the profile of footballer sought by Hansi Flick's project: young, talented, with international projection and personality on the field. His signing would have been a statement of intent.
But the train has passed. Wirtz will play for Manchester City barring a last-minute twist, and Barça will have to look elsewhere. At Camp Nou, they already assume that they will not be able to compete with the Premier giants on equal terms as long as the economic problems persist.
Florian Wirtz, pointed out by many as the best German midfielder of his generation, has chosen. And his decision leaves Barça with a bitter taste. While in Manchester they celebrate, at Can Barça they can only lament another missed opportunity.