Bayer Leverkusen plot Manchester City starlets as potential Florian Wirtz replacements

Manchester City could find themselves in a situation where one of their rising starlets is viewed as the replacement for one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe.

The 2025 transfer markets in both January and the following summer are expected to be busy both in the way of arrivals and departures from the Premier League champions’ squad, particularly given the feeling in various quarters that the roster is in need of a refresh.

Whilst the focus and most interest will likely be on who Manchester City could bring in through the eyes of their incoming sporting director Hugo Viana, possible departures are also likely to dominate headlines.

Kevin De Bruyne is approaching the expiry of his existing City contract, and while both the player and the club are relaxed about the situation, he will be eligible to discussing his future with potential suitors from January.

Limited game time this season may also require a decision on his own future from James McAtee, whom Pep Guardiola stood by during the 2024 summer market demanding that the 22-year-old remained at the Etihad Stadium after a double-loan spell with Sheffield United.

And it is the England youth international who has been tipped for significant transfer interest from one of Europe’s best clubs, alongside a Manchester City teammate who is highly unlikely to leave the Etihad any time soon.

That is according to the information of TBR Football, who report that officials at Bayer Leverkusen ‘admire’ both City’s Oscar Bobb and James McAtee, and believe that either play could effectively replace the in-demand Germany international, Florian Wirtz.

In turn, Manchester City are listed within the report as one of the clubs interested in the 21-year-old, but face fierce competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, whilst PSG, Arsenal and Liverpool are also listed as potential suitors.

From the perspective of the Bundesliga champions, they intend on securing a blockbuster price tag for the player, should he leave in the upcoming summer market, placing a valuation in the region of £87 million on the playmaker.

The future of Oscar Bobb is likely to remain at Manchester City, particularly given that the player is closing in on an expected return date after sustaining a leg fracture during the early weeks of the ongoing season.

Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of the 21-year-old and believes he offers a very unique playing style to his forward line, particularly in the pressing department, and as such will be eager to get him back to full fitness in the new year.

As for James McAtee and the Salford-born playmaker is expected to also attract transfer interest from within the Premier League, with the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Fulham all recently linked. Chelsea also monitored his situation last summer.