Manchester City's bid to replace Kevin De Bruyne with Florian Wirtz has reportedly hit a dead end, and Pep Guardiola's side may now go for Dani Olmo.
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Man City end their interest in WirtzDeal would have cost over €300mShift attention to Barcelona's Olmo Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
City decided to end their fairytale run with De Bruyne this season after they decided not to hand the Belgian a new contract at the Etihad. Guardiola had been interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Wirtz this summer, as he is keen on introducing youth into the side after their disappointing trophyless season. The 22-year-old is largely considered the best attacking midfield prospect in football and was expected to fill the De Bruyne-sized hole at City.
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BBC Sport has now reported that City have put an end to their interest in signing Wirtz this summer because of the high cost that it would take to sign the German from Bayer Leverkusen. City are concerned the cost of the deal is over-inflated as the transfer fee and wages would cost the eight-time Premier League champions over €300 million (£252m/$337m), which would make it the biggest deal in City's history.
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Sky Sports France have now reported that City may look to sign Barcelona star Olmo this season instead, a player that they had been interested in signing last summer from RB Leipzig. The Spaniard decided to return home to his boyhood club, Barcelona, last season; however, the Catalan side's dire financial situation and Fermin Lopez's rise to fame may mean that the Blaugrana may be open to selling the 27-year-old after just one season.
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?
The Citizens have endured their first trophyless season since 2017, and they will be looking to revamp their squad with a number of ageing stars set to leave. Guardiola will hope that Olmo could be part of the squad this following season.
