Manchester City Set Sights on €200m Double Swoop for Bayer Leverkusen Stars in Summer Transfer Window
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a major summer spending spree, with the reigning Premier League champions looking to splash close to £170 million (€200 million, $206.7 million) on two of Bayer Leverkusen’s most prized assets.
City’s Struggles This Season Spark Transfer Ambitions
It has been an underwhelming campaign by City’s high standards, as they currently find themselves in an unusual position—fifth in the Premier League table and a staggering 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. Pep Guardiola’s side, which has dominated English football in recent years, is facing a rare dip in form, prompting the club to take decisive action in the transfer market.
Their struggles have not been limited to domestic competition. While they managed to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, it was a far-from-convincing group stage performance. City finished within the top 24 teams but now face the daunting challenge of a two-legged playoff tie against reigning champions Real Madrid.
In response to their underwhelming performances, City were proactive during the January transfer window, securing the signings of Vitor Reis (£30m), Abdukodir Khusanov (£33m), Omar Marmoush (£67m), and Nico Gonzalez (£50m). However, with the team still failing to hit their usual heights, Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy have already begun strategizing for the summer.
City Looking to Fend Off Elite Competition for Wirtz and Frimpong
According to reports, Manchester City are determined to beat their European rivals to the signatures of Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. The Premier League giants have reportedly positioned themselves as leading contenders for the pair but could face stiff competition from Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, all of whom are closely monitoring the talented duo.
Florian Wirtz, the 21-year-old German attacking midfielder, has been one of the standout players in European football this season under the guidance of Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. His ability to create chances, score goals, and dictate play in the final third has made him one of the most sought-after young talents in the game. So far this season, Wirtz has been in scintillating form, registering 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 matches across all competitions. His performances have played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s impressive campaign, putting them in contention for silverware.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong, a name familiar to City fans, has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs since departing the club’s youth ranks. After leaving Manchester for Celtic in 2019, the 24-year-old Dutch defender took his career to the next level by joining Leverkusen in 2021. Since then, Frimpong has been a key figure in their attack-minded approach, contributing an impressive 28 goals and 43 assists in 175 appearances for the Bundesliga club. His ability to bomb forward from right-back, combined with his defensive reliability, has made him a highly desirable asset for top clubs across Europe.
Guardiola’s Plans and Tactical Fit
With City looking to strengthen ahead of the next campaign, both Wirtz and Frimpong would add valuable qualities to Guardiola’s system. Wirtz, known for his creativity and technical brilliance, could provide competition and depth in midfield, easing the burden on Kevin De Bruyne, who has struggled with injuries this season. Frimpong, on the other hand, would bring much-needed pace and width to the right flank, potentially competing with Kyle Walker or even serving as a long-term successor.
Guardiola has long admired versatile, attack-minded full-backs, and Frimpong fits the profile perfectly. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive discipline aligns with City’s tactical approach, making him an ideal addition to the squad.
What Comes Next?
While City are clearly determined to land the Leverkusen duo, the competition from Europe’s elite clubs means securing their signatures will be far from straightforward. With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also eyeing Wirtz, and Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Frimpong, the transfer battle is set to be intense.
City will return to action on Tuesday night in the Champions League, as they host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. While their focus will be on securing a crucial victory, behind the scenes, the club’s hierarchy will already be planning for a transformative summer—one that could see two of Germany’s most exciting talents arrive at the Etihad.
Man City ‘line up outrageous £170m swoop’ for two players from same club as Pep Guardiola continues rebuild
