MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 14: Florian Wirtz of Germany celebrates as he scores the goal 1:0 during the ... [+]
Florian Wirtz was always likely to make a statement at Euro 2024. Fresh from a season in which the 21-year-old drove Bayer Leverkusen to its first-ever Bundesliga title, the attacking midfielder is now a key member of a Germany team targeting major tournament glory on home soil. In Germany’s two matches so far, Wirtz has been outstanding.
Julian Nagelsmann has set up his Germany team to get the best out of Jamal Musiala and Wirtz as his two number 10s. The pair are given freedom to drift in between the lines, and that’s exactly what they have done in comfortable victories over Scotland and Hungary. Wirtz scored against Scotland and could have scored against Hungary too.
At 21 years old, Wirtz is one of the most exciting young players in world soccer, so what does his future hold at club level? Could one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs poach him this summer? If so, Manchester City should be at the front of the line to land a player very much in the Pep Guardiola mould.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City acknowledges the fans ... [+]
Kevin de Bruyne is facing a career crossroads this summer. While the Belgian remains one of the best advanced playmakers in the sport, he is well into his 30s and is struggling to maintain fitness over full seasons. There is reported interest in de Bruyne from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he could move on from City.
This would leave Manchester City with a hole to plug in its squad and Wirtz would fit the bill as the perfect replacement. Like de Bruyne, he is comfortable operating in half-spaces and carries goal threat around the opposition box. De Bruyne might be more adept playing in a deeper role, but Wirtz has time to develop other sides of his game.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - APRIL 14: Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen scores his team's third goal ... [+]
If Wirtz wants to test himself at the top of European soccer, there would be no better place for him to do that than Manchester City. Of course, Bayer Leverkusen will be in next season’s Champions League after winning the Bundesliga, but City will be the frontrunners after winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
City has proven itself over the years to be among the best at replenishing its squad. Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany were all phased out without the Etihad Stadium outfit missing a step. Now, Guardiola must consider what life after de Bruyne will look like for the Premier League champions. It could look like Wirtz.
