Florian Wirtz is destined for the top of European club soccer. The 21-year-old is already a Bundesliga winner having claimed the German title with Bayer Leverkusen last season and is widely considered one of the best players in the world in his position. It’s little wonder some of the sport’s biggest clubs are interested.
Leverkusen has been good for Wirtz, but there is a sense he will move on at some point in the future. It had been speculated that a parting of ways would happen this summer. However, recent reports claim Wirtz will stay at the Bay Arena for another season, much to the disappointment of Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
City in particular will be dealt a blow if Wirtz rejects the chance to join the Etihad Stadium club this summer. Pep Guardiola needs fresh creativity in the attacking midfield area and Wirtz would have been perfect for this role. Manchester City would be investing in the future by signing the 21-year-old for big money.
With the recent reports in mind, City needs a Plan B. Rayan Cherki is a name worthy of being on the Premier League champions’ shortlist with the young Frenchman in exceptional form for club and country right now. Indeed, Cherki has registered 13 goal involvements in his last nine appearances.
Morgan Gibbs-White could be on Manchester City’s radar. The England international has been key to Nottingham Forest’s Champions League challenge this season with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team currently ahead of City in the Premier League table. Gibbs-White would be a good addition to Guardiola’s squad.
Alex Baena’s underlying numbers for Villarreal this season have been impressive. The 23-year-old tends to play off the left side more than Gibbs-White or Cherki, but his development over the last two seasons suggests this could be a good time for a club like Manchester City to make a move. He has the technical ability to play under Guardiola.
Manchester City finds itself at the start of a rebuild. This reconstruction started in January with the addition of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis and it will continue this summer with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan expected to depart.
To challenge for the Premier League title again next season, City must find players it can build around for years to come. If Wirtz isn’t available this summer, the Etihad Stadium club can’t afford to wait around until he is. There are many alternatives out there who could give Guardiola want he requires.