Bayer Leverkusen eyes Manchester City starlets as potential replacements for Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen eyes Manchester City starlets as potential replacements for Florian Wirtz Manchester City could find themselves in a situation where one of their rising…
Manchester City could find themselves in a situation where one of their rising starlets is seen as a replacement for one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders.
The 2025 transfer markets in January and the following summer are expected to be busy in terms of both arrivals and departures from the Premier League champions’ squad, particularly given the feeling in various quarters that the squad is in need of ‘a refreshment.
Although the focus and interest will likely be on who Manchester City could sign through the eyes of their new sporting director Hugo Viana, possible departures are also expected to make headlines.
Kevin De Bruyne is nearing the expiration of his existing contract with City, and although both player and club are relaxed about the situation, he will be able to discuss his future with potential suitors from January.
Limited playing time this season could also require a decision on his own future from James McAtee, who Pep Guardiola backed in the 2024 summer deal, demanding the 22-year-old stay at the Etihad Stadium after a double loan spell with Sheffield United. .
And it is the England youth international who is expected to attract significant transfer interest from one of Europe’s top clubs, alongside a Manchester City teammate who is highly unlikely to leave the ‘Etihad anytime soon.
That’s according to TBR Football, which reports that Bayer Leverkusen officials “admire” both Oscar Bobb and City’s James McAtee, and believe either play could effectively replace highly sought-after German international, Florian Wirtz.
In turn, Manchester City are listed in the report as one of the clubs interested in the 21-year-old, but face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while PSG, Arsenal and Liverpool are also listed as potential suitors. .
From the Bundesliga champions’ perspective, they intend to secure a record price for the player, should he leave in the upcoming summer market, placing a valuation in the region of £87 million on the playmaker.
Oscar Bobb’s future is likely to remain at Manchester City, especially as the player inches closer to a planned return date after suffering a broken leg in the opening weeks of the current season.
Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the 21-year-old and believes he offers a very unique style of play to his forward line, particularly in the pressing department, and as such he will be keen to get him back in great shape in the new year. .
As for James McAtee, the Salford-born playmaker is also expected to attract transfer interest from within the Premier League, with the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Fulham all recently linked. Chelsea also monitored his situation last summer.
