Jack Grealish cited as 'Man City to pull the plug on record-breaking deal'

18/04/2025 21:00

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been linked with a potential move to Man City after his impressive breakthrough in the Bundesliga.

Those links have gathered even more pace since Kevin De Bruyne announced he will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

It has been widely reported that Man City are looking at the Germany international, 21, alongside Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White as they look to replace the legendary Belgian midfielder.

Wirtz has notched 15 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s side this season.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has dropped his verdict on a potential “£150million” deal for the attacking midfield star, which would represent a club-record fee.

De Bruyne is ‘irreplaceable’ for Man City, says Wyness

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Gibbs-White is a better fit than Wirtz for the time being.

The German has racked up nearly 200 appearances for Leverkusen since making his debut in the 2019-20 campaign – and has notched more than 100 goal contributions in those outings.

But Wyness insisted City will have to wait longer before they move for the midfielder.

He told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "He's going to be irreplaceable in many ways.

"I don't think you'll find the same quality as Kevin in his heyday.

"Could it be two players? Wirtz, he's a young talent, but will he even think this is the right move for his career.

"I'm seeing numbers anywhere from £100million up to £150million.

"They paid £100million for Grealish, so City are no stranger to those big fees.

"Wirtz is young, and no doubt a talent, but I think Gibbs-White fits the bill more at the moment.

"City may have to wait to bring Wirtz in – that's my reading of the situation."

Tottenham to block Man City swoop for Udogie

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (16 April) that Tottenham are confident of keeping left-back Destiny Udogie at the club despite reported interest from Man City.

Pep Guardiola's side will be in the market for a new marquee left-back signing this summer – with youngster Nico O'Reilly currently starting in the position.

But Spurs are confident Udogie's long-term contract will give them sufficient leverage to reject bids in the off-season – with the Italy international's deal running until June 2030.

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