Manchester City Withdraw from Florian Wirtz Talks, Eye Morgan Gibbs-White as Alternative
Manchester City have officially stepped back from negotiations to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, according to a report by Sami Mokbel of the BBC. The Premier League champions, known for their calculated approach in the transfer market, deemed the full financial package for the 21-year-old German star too expensive, prompting them to halt discussions that were still in their infancy. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White remains a prominent name on City’s shortlist, signaling a potential shift in their transfer strategy as they seek to bolster their midfield options.
Wirtz Pursuit Fizzles Out
The pursuit of Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s most coveted young talents, never progressed beyond initial approaches. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that talks were exploratory at best, with no advanced discussions or final-stage agreements ever on the table. Wirtz, who has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s recent successes, including their 2023/24 Bundesliga title triumph, was seen as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne in City’s midfield. His vision, technical ability, and knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite playmakers.
However, the financial demands surrounding Wirtz proved to be a sticking point. While no official transfer fee was confirmed, estimates suggest Leverkusen would demand upwards of £80 million, with additional costs such as signing bonuses, agent fees, and wages pushing the total package even higher. For a club like Manchester City, which operates with meticulous financial discipline despite their wealth, the overall cost was deemed excessive for the current transfer window. The decision reflects City’s pragmatic approach, prioritizing value and squad balance over splashing out on a single high-profile target.
Wirtz’s performances this season—4 goals and 8 assists in 12 Bundesliga matches as of May 2025—underscore his immense potential, but City appear content to monitor his situation from afar rather than commit to a deal that doesn’t align with their fiscal strategy. Other European giants, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, have also been linked with the German international, suggesting Wirtz’s future remains a topic of intense speculation.
Morgan Gibbs-White Emerges as a Viable Option
As City pivot from the Wirtz chase, attention has turned to Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who remains firmly on the club’s shortlist. The 23-year-old Englishman has been a standout performer in the Premier League, showcasing the kind of versatility and creativity that could complement Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. Gibbs-White, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or in wider roles, has recorded an impressive 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, making him one of the division’s most productive players.
Gibbs-White’s rise at Forest, where he has become a talismanic figure since his £42.5 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022, has not gone unnoticed. His ability to drive forward with the ball, unlock defenses with incisive passes, and contribute defensively aligns with the demands of Guardiola’s high-intensity setup. Additionally, his homegrown status is a significant advantage for City, who must adhere to Premier League squad regulations requiring a certain number of domestically trained players.
From a financial perspective, Gibbs-White represents a more cost-effective option. His current market value is estimated at around £50 million, though Forest, buoyed by their mid-table position and Gibbs-White’s importance to the team, could push for a higher fee. Even so, the total package for the Forest star would likely fall well short of the figures quoted for Wirtz, making him an attractive alternative for City’s recruitment team.
Strategic Implications for Manchester City
Manchester City’s transfer decisions this window reflect a broader strategy of balancing ambition with sustainability. While the club has the financial muscle to compete for any player in world football, their reluctance to overpay for Wirtz suggests a focus on long-term planning. The potential acquisition of Gibbs-White, or another player of his profile, would provide depth and dynamism to a squad that remains one of the strongest in Europe, even as they navigate challenges like injuries and the possible departure of aging stars like De Bruyne.
Guardiola’s side currently sit atop the Premier League table in May 2025, but their pursuit of a fifth consecutive title is far from assured. The addition of a creative midfielder could prove pivotal in maintaining their edge in both domestic and European competitions, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where City aim to reclaim the crown they last won in 2023.
What’s Next?
For now, Manchester City’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White remains at the shortlist stage, with no indication of imminent talks or a formal bid. The club’s recruitment team, led by director of football Txiki Begiristain, will likely continue to evaluate multiple targets as the summer transfer window approaches. Posts on X have echoed the sentiment of Mokbel’s report, with fans and pundits debating whether Gibbs-White has the quality to thrive at a club of City’s stature, while others see his potential signing as a shrewd move for a player entering his prime.
As for Florian Wirtz, his immediate future appears to lie with Bayer Leverkusen, though a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs seems inevitable in the coming years. Manchester City, for their part, will bide their time, confident that their methodical approach will yield the right addition to an already formidable squad.
