As Manchester City gears up for a crucial summer transfer window, the club is actively exploring options to bolster its squad ahead of the 2025-26 season. With Pep Guardiola's side facing a challenging campaign, the FA Cup remains their only hope for silverware this year. The looming departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who has confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires on June 30, 2025, has intensified City's search for a suitable replacement.
One name at the forefront of their plans is Florian Wirtz, the talented midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen. According to reports from Football Insider on April 19, 2025, Wirtz has emerged as City’s number one target to fill the void left by De Bruyne. The 21-year-old has been in stellar form, showcasing his skills with 15 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances this season, making him a prime candidate for Guardiola's midfield.
In a potential twist, former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson suggested that James McAtee, who has had a limited role since returning from his loan at Sheffield United, could be included in a swap deal for Wirtz. McAtee, 22, has made 24 appearances this season, scoring seven goals, with his first Premier League start coming in a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace on April 12, 2025. Borson noted, "I suspect he is part of their thinking in a deal for Wirtz. He did make his first Premier League start of the season and scored against Palace last week. But I suspect he hasn’t got a long-term future at the club."
McAtee's situation is particularly intriguing as Bayer Leverkusen had previously approached City with a loan-to-buy offer for him during the January transfer window. Although that move did not materialize, Leverkusen has reportedly kept tabs on the young midfielder, with contact reestablished for a potential summer transfer. Journalist Florian Plettenburg indicated that McAtee is "very open" to the idea of joining the Bundesliga side, as he seeks regular playing time, something that has been scarce at City.
While Guardiola has expressed a desire to retain McAtee in his squad for next season, the player himself may find it difficult to secure a starting position. Having only started seven of his 24 competitive appearances this season, McAtee is aware that consistent playing time will be essential for his ambitions, particularly with the England national team and the upcoming World Cup on the horizon. He could take inspiration from Cole Palmer, who left City in 2023 and has since established himself as a key player for Chelsea.
In addition to Wirtz, City is also eyeing Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White as another potential replacement for De Bruyne. The 25-year-old has impressed this season, contributing five goals and nine assists in 32 appearances. Reports suggest that City plans to open talks with Forest to explore what it would take to secure Gibbs-White’s services this summer. Guardiola has been notably impressed by Gibbs-White’s performances, further highlighting City’s proactive approach as they prepare for the next season.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City is in a pivotal moment, balancing the need for new signings while also considering the future of their current squad members. The potential departures and arrivals will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as City aims to rebound from a challenging season and reclaim their status as one of Europe’s elite teams.
With the transfer market buzzing, all eyes will be on how Guardiola and the City hierarchy navigate these changes. The club's ability to adapt and strengthen its squad will be crucial as they look to compete at the highest level. It’s a time of uncertainty but also of opportunity, as Manchester City seeks to redefine its roster and set the stage for a successful campaign ahead.
