German football legend Lothar Matthaus has advised Florian Wirtz to resist the allure of a Manchester City transfer and remain at Bayer Leverkusen for at least two more years.
Wirtz, who made his Bundesliga debut at 17, has risen to prominence as one of Europe’s most promising talents, especially after helping Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen achieve a domestic double this year. With 43 goals and 51 assists so far in his career, it’s no surprise that speculation about a potential move to Manchester City has emerged.
Euro 2024 provided Wirtz with an opportunity to showcase his abilities, attracting interest from clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid. Despite this, Wirtz has returned to Leverkusen as the transfer window closed on Friday, a decision Matthaus believes is in the player’s best interest.
In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, Matthaus, the 1990 World Cup winner, suggested that staying at Leverkusen would best prepare Wirtz for the 2026 World Cup. He questioned whether Wirtz would have the same impact at a club like Liverpool, Manchester City, or Barcelona as he does at Leverkusen. Matthaus recommended that Wirtz remain in Germany until 2026, by which time he will be 23 and ready for a successful career abroad.
Matthaus also expressed his satisfaction with Wirtz’s decision to stay with the Bundesliga champions following Germany’s hosting of the Euros this summer. He noted that Wirtz, still young and with few championships under his belt, could benefit from the experience of this season’s Champions League games, provided he stays injury-free.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola concluded the summer transfer window with two new signings: Savinho from sister club Troyes and Ilkay Gundogan, who returned after a year away. If Wirtz were to join Manchester City, he would compete for a spot in the team against this summer’s Brazilian signing, Phil Foden, and Oscar Bobb when fully fit.
