Credits: X/@bayer04_en

Bayern and Man City in Tug of War for Florian Wirtz Amid City’s Verbal Agreement With Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen have carefully managed Florian Wirtz’s development over the years and played a major role in his rise.

Credits: X/@bayer04_en

The transfer race for one of Europe’s brightest young talents, Florian Wirtz, has taken a dramatic turn. Both European giants Manchester City and Bayern Munich are battling it out for the 21-year-old’s signature. Manchester City had identified Florian Witrz as the player to replace Kevin De Bruyne. According to reports, Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City have already reached a verbal agreement over Wirtz’s transfer.

However, Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich have since entered the fray with a game-changing salary offer. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bayern have tabled a contract proposal significantly higher than Manchester City’s. Notably, the Pemier League club’s wage structure doesn’t allow any player’s salary to surpass the salary of manager Pep Guardiola, which reportedly acts as an internal wage ceiling at the Etihad. However, Bayern Munich are offering Wirtz much higher wages than English club.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bayer Leverkusen and Man City have reached a VERBAL AGREEMENT for the transfer of Florian Wirtz.

However, Bayern Munich have still offered the player the best salary proposal.

(Source: @SkySport) pic.twitter.com/UArRcqPPQa
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 12, 2025

Leverkusen Reluctant To Sell Wirtz to Bayern

Meanwhile, Leverkusen are reluctant to sell him to a domestic rival. Leverkusen have carefully managed Wirtz’s development and played a major role in his rise. The club’s preference is to see their midfield star move abroad, which makes City a more favourable option in their eyes. However, the financial muscle and domestic pull of Bayern Munich has complicated the situation.

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Wirtz, who turned 22 this year, has enjoyed a phenomenal campaign under Xabi Alonso and is seen as one of the most complete young attacking midfielders in the world. With 10 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga this season, Wirtz has played a key role fo Leverkusen.

The youngster’s next move is expected to be one of the defining transfers of the summer window. The decision may now rest with Wirtz, a choice between Premier League giants Manchester City and record German champions Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich

Florian Wirtz

Manchester City

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.