Manchester City have reportedly decided to withdraw themselves from the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
Despite having already spent £180m as recently as the winter transfer window, Man City are expected to resume their activity in the market when the summer equivalent reopens in June.
In recent days, the suggestion has been that City are ready to sign at least another four players, with Wirtz one name on their list of potential additions.
With Kevin De Bruyne on the brink of departing as a free agent, the suggestion has been that the Germany international could arrive at the Etihad Stadium as his successor.
However, as per BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, City will not be stepping up their interest in Wirtz at the end of the season.
© Imago
Why are Man City leaving Wirtz race?
The report claims that the FA Cup runners-up have deemed that the 22-year-old is not value for money at his current asking price.
With a transfer fee and wages across a long-term contract included, City feel that any deal for Wirtz could cost them in the region of €300m (£252.5m).
Although Wirtz has delivered 16 goals and 14 assists from his 40 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League during 2024-25, City have made the decision to look elsewhere.
That is seemingly due to the possibility of any deal for Wirtz becoming the most expensive in the club's history.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been credited as admirers of the star, it unclear whether there stance will mirror City's when it is generally considered that City are in a stronger financial position.
© Imago
A shrewd move?
City would have always known that Wirtz would likely have cost at least £100m if Leverkusen were going to give the green light to a sale, even with his contract due to expire in 2027.
With De Bruyne leaving the Etihad Stadium, it appeared to make sense to invest in a talent like Wirtz, particularly when so far off the pace in the Premier League by their usual high standards.
Instead, alternatives will seemingly be considered with Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White viewed as a suitable - and cheaper - alternative.
Depending on the number of their homegrown outings, City may need to sign British players to fill positions in their squad for the Premier League and Europe.
As such, that may have played a part in their current stance, although there is nothing to say they will not return to the table if Leverkusen lower their asking price or Wirtz his contractual demands.
Darren Plant
