After such a below-par campaign by their usual high standards, Manchester City have a huge summer on their hands to right the wrongs of recent months.
Pep Guardiola’s side could still end the season in a top-four spot in the Premier League, subsequently securing Champions League football, whilst also having the opportunity to win another FA Cup trophy.
However, if they are to return to the summit of the division next time around, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back the manager in the transfer market to make the additions he needs.
Over the years, the board haven’t been afraid to splash the cash, as seen last January, when they forked out over £150m on new talent to combat the early-season slump in form.
Such high spending could be set to continue this summer, with one player already high on their list of targets to bolster the current first-team squad at the Etihad.
Man City favourites land £87m sensation this summer
According to TBR, City are favourites to land Bayer Leverkusen’s star man Florian Wirtz this summer, but face stiff competition from multiple other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all credited with an interest in landing the 21-year-old star who’s managed to notch nine goals and 10 assists in his 25 Bundesliga outings this season.
It’s not the first time the Citizens have pushed to land the German international, with Guardiola also targeting the youngster last summer, but to no avail, with this summer offering a fresh opportunity.
The report states that Wirtz is valued at £87m, with City huge admirers of the attacking midfielder as seen by their tireless attempts to persuade him to move to England.
Whilst it would be yet another huge sum splashed out by the hierarchy, it’s a superb investment in a star who’s only going to get better, also offering an upgrade on one talent set to depart the Etihad.
Why Wirtz is a bigger star than De Bruyne for City
City’s task of returning to the top of England’s top flight next season was dealt another blow after it was confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne would depart the club at the end of the season.
The Belgian has spent the last decade in Manchester, making over 400 appearances and notching over 250 combined goals and assists – arguably being one of the best midfielders to ever grace the Premier League.
It’s been a tricky few years for the 33-year-old, struggling to meet the high standards he’s set for himself, with numerous injuries plaguing his progress at the Etihad.
However, his pending departure opens up another issue for the manager to solve this summer, with a move for Wirtz doing just that whilst also landing a star who can develop further in the years ahead.
His goal and assist tally from the ongoing season are evidence of the talent he possesses, undoubtedly being a bigger star than De Bruyne in the present day.
When comparing their respective figures from this season, the German has massively outperformed the Belgian, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be despite the mammoth price tag.
The Leverkusen star, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 11 more combined goals and assists than the Belgian, whilst also achieving a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing the threat he poses in the final third.
Games played
25
21
Goals & assists
19
8
Progressive carries
5
2.9
Shot-on-target accuracy
45%
28%
Pass accuracy
80%
76%
Through balls completed
1.1
0.6
Take-on success
53%
37%
He’s also managed to register more through balls completed per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate, highlighting the creativity he’s capable of producing – filling the void of the departing midfielder.
£87m for a star who could cement his place at the heart of the side for the next decade is a deal worth exploring, with Guardiola getting himself one of Europe’s biggest young stars.
De Bruyne’s move away from the Etihad is one that will leave fans worried, but Wirtz has showcased he has all of the tools to fill the void, whilst also providing an upgrade given the stats produced in the past 12 months.
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