Manchester City want Florian Wirtz and may offer James McAtee to Bayer Leverkusen in swap deal - Paper Round
ByTNT Sports
Updated 26/02/2025 at 08:35 GMT
Manchester City hope to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, and may exchange midfielder James McAtee as part of a swap agreement, per reports. Elsewhere, Manchester United are struggling to operate on a reduced transfer budget and may be forced into accepting some offers, and Joshua Kimmich may not join Liverpool from Bayern Munich this summer.
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City may seal Wirtz swap deal
Manchester City could use James McAtee as a makeweight in a bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to The Mirror.
The German playmaker is a target to replace Kevin De Bruyne, and offering up McAtee could help facilitate the transfer.
The paper writes: "Manchester City hope to bring top target Florian Wirtz to the Etihad this summer - and could use James McAtee to do it.
"City are embarking on a rebuild under Pep Guardiola after their turbulent season saw them fall away from the Premier League title race and suffer some damaging results. They were beaten 2-0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday and are 20 points behind the league leaders.
"They are likely to be active again in the summer in a bid to catapult themselves back into the title race after watching Liverpool gazump them this term and Bayer Leverkusen and Germany ace Wirtz has emerged as their primary target.
"Wirtz is seen as the perfect like-for-like replacement for De Bruyne - whose deal expires this summer - after showing off his superb creative displays in the middle of the park under Leverkusen [and] Xabi Alonso.
"City star McAtee is also a target for Leverkusen this summer. They missed out on a loan move in January and they are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old. Their interest could be hugely important to City's hopes of getting a deal for Wirtz over the line with a potential swap deal working for both parties."
United face tough transfer decisions
Manchester United could be forced to consider offers from other clubs to buy out sell-on clauses, The Telegraph has claimed.
As a result of their financial problems, clubs may offer cash up front in order to retain more of their transfer deals in future for ex-players.
The paper explains: "Manchester United’s rivals are looking to take advantage of the financial crisis - and shocking transfer record - at Old Trafford by offering instant cash to buy "sell-on clauses" for players who have left.
"United have a recent history of departures thriving elsewhere, although they have protected themselves to a degree with clauses to give them a percentage of the profits when the player makes their next transfer.
"Telegraph Sport is aware of multiple clubs who are now considering bids to have the clauses removed - earning them more long-term money for an immediate outlay, while also helping ease United’s financial pressures."
Vivell set for tight budget at United
Manchester United have given Christopher Vivell the job as director of recruitment after he impressed on an interim basis.
However, The Athletic reports that the German will face a tough task as United cannot afford to spend big.
The website claims: "Manchester United have appointed Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment on a full-time basis following his interim spell in the position.
"Vivell has a big challenge ahead, being expected to steer United’s recruitment to better success than in the last decade. Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes the club’s work in the transfer market is the crucial area to improve finances.
"Vivell, who has had an influence on signings so far such as Sekou Kone, will have to find players capable of performing for United while sticking to tight budgetary constraints."
Liverpool may miss out on Kimmich
Liverpool have been linked with Bayern Munich’s versatile star Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold is linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid, and Kimmich is also soon out of contract, though the Express suggests he could sign fresh terms.
The paper notes: "Liverpool are at risk of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer. And one of the players Anfield chiefs have reportedly earmarked as a candidate to replace him may soon be off the market.
"Reports indicate that the Reds are among a host of top clubs keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich. Like Alexander-Arnold, Kimmich's contract expires this summer and there has been swirling speculation around his club future.
"Kimmich can play at right-back or in central midfield, and he has been a hugely reliable figure at the Allianz Arena since signing nearly 10 years ago.
"With over 400 first-team appearances, eight Bundesliga crowns and a Champions League title, Kimmich is one of Bayern's longest-serving players. And he could see out his career in Germany if contract extension talks progress as expected.
"Kimmich's renewal would send Liverpool back to the drawing board amid the looming threat of Alexander-Arnold's departure. The Reds have been linked with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong and Flamengo youngster Wesley as they scour the market for a new right-back."
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