Manchester City are already preparing for life beyond one of their greatest-ever midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne. And in typical Pep Guardiola fashion, the club isn’t just searching for a replacement—they’re targeting one of Europe’s most promising young stars: Florian Wirtz.
According to multiple reports circulating around the Etihad, including those from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, City are seriously considering Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder as a long-term successor to the Belgian playmaker. Wirtz, who has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s rise under Xabi Alonso, is now at the center of transfer talks involving one of Europe’s most dominant sides.
De Bruyne, who has served Manchester City with distinction since 2015, is now 33 and slowly approaching the final stages of his career at the very top level. Though still incredibly influential when fit, injuries have started to limit his availability, forcing City to look at future-proofing their midfield.
Florian Wirtz, 21, fits the bill perfectly. The German international is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the world. His vision, technical finesse, and ability to operate between the lines have drawn comparisons to De Bruyne himself, making him a natural candidate to inherit that creative mantle at City.
Pep Guardiola is said to be an admirer of Wirtz’s intelligence and versatility. He can play as a central attacking midfielder, a deeper-lying playmaker, or even out wide—making him an ideal player for Guardiola’s fluid and demanding system.
Wirtz has enjoyed a stellar season with Leverkusen, leading them not just in assists and key passes, but also being a vital figure in their historic Bundesliga campaign. With Alonso’s side unbeaten for much of the year, Wirtz’s stock has skyrocketed, and it’s no surprise that top clubs like Manchester City are circling.
But it’s not just De Bruyne City are planning to replace. Sources also suggest that the club sees AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders as a potential successor to Ilkay Gündoğan, who left for FC Barcelona last summer. Though Mateo Kovacic was brought in to plug that gap, City are still searching for a more dynamic and complete midfield option.
Reijnders, 26, has quietly become a key figure for Milan and the Dutch national team. His combination of athleticism, ball progression, and positional awareness has made him one of Serie A’s standout midfielders this season.
While Reijnders wouldn’t be a direct stylistic replica of Gündoğan, he brings qualities that City value—composure under pressure, late runs into the box, and a strong engine to support transitions both defensively and offensively.
The prospect of City recruiting both Wirtz and Reijnders is a clear indication that the club is not just thinking about next season—but about building a squad that can dominate well into the next decade.
It also sends a message to the rest of Europe: City’s hunger hasn’t faded. Despite winning multiple league titles and finally lifting the UEFA Champions League, Guardiola’s side continues to evolve, and that evolution is centered on young, high-IQ midfielders.
Financially, both deals would require significant investment. Wirtz’s market value has soared past €100 million, especially if Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga title. Reijnders would also command a substantial fee, though likely less than Wirtz, given the difference in age and profile.
However, Manchester City have never shied away from spending big when it comes to talent that aligns with their footballing philosophy. If Guardiola gives the green light, the club’s hierarchy, led by Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, will be ready to strike.
There’s also a tactical angle to these rumored signings. Guardiola has gradually shifted toward a more possession-dominant, positionally fluid style in recent years, often playing with four midfielders who can rotate roles seamlessly. Wirtz and Reijnders could easily slot into such a scheme.
Both players are also highly coachable—something that Guardiola values tremendously. The City boss doesn’t just want talent—he wants players who are willing to learn, adapt, and elevate their game under his guidance.
Of course, nothing is confirmed yet, and the summer transfer window is still weeks away. But early talks and rumors like these suggest that Manchester City are already planning their next major transition—one that could define the next generation of their midfield dominance.
In the end, replacing legends like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündoğan is no easy task. But in Florian Wirtz and Tijjani Reijnders, City believe they’ve found the right blend of youth, talent, and tactical fit.
As the transfer window approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see if Manchester City can pull off what would be two blockbuster signings to secure their future.
