Florian Wirtz has reportedly turned down Manchester City because of concerns over Pep Guardiola’s commitment to stay until his contract ends in 2027. Liverpool have now moved ahead in the race for the German playmaker, opening talks with Bayer Leverkusen for the £126 million-rated attacker.
Florian Wirtz’s potential transfer to Manchester City stalled over worries that manager Pep Guardiola might not remain at the club until 2027. This has allowed Liverpool to take the lead, with the Premier League champions opening negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend.
According to German outlet BILD, Wirtz was impressed by Liverpool’s atmosphere and club strength after witnessing Leverkusen’s 4-0 defeat at Anfield last November. Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes confirmed, “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but Florian is our player.”
Wirtz also emphasized his focus on sporting development over money, saying, “The sporting perspective is much more important than money.”
Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November, but doubts remained for Wirtz.