Revealed: Why Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz opted to snub Pep Guardiola and Man City in favour of Liverpool transfer

The reasons for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz snubbing Manchester City in favour of a transfer to Liverpool have been revealed.

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• Playmaker ready to leave Leverkusen
• Could replace De Bruyne at the Etihad
• Ready to make move to Merseyside

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old Germany international has become one of the hottest properties in world football. He is ready to take on a new challenge in the summer of 2025 after becoming a Bundesliga title winner and gracing the Champions League at Leverkusen.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Big-spending sides in the Premier League have been scrambling to put a deal in place for the £126 million-rated ($170m) playmaker. With Kevin De Bruyne leaving City as a free agent, many viewed Wirtz as the perfect replacement in Manchester.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He is, however, reported to be edging closer to sealing a switch to Anfield. According to , that is because Wirtz has concerns over the long-term future of City boss Pep Guardiola – who has said that he will leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in 2027.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Wirtz wants more stable surroundings as he unlocks further potential in his game, which has led to him leaning towards newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Arne Slot is also working on a deal until 2027 there, but is expected to agree an extension if more major silverware makes its way to Merseyside.