Report: Manchester City Step Back from Mega Deal in Surprise Midfield Transfer Twist | OneFootball

Why Man City’s Pullback on Wirtz Makes Sense

Financial sanity over transfer frenzy

Manchester City are no strangers to breaking the bank, but there’s a clear method behind their madness. When BBC Sport reported that City had cooled their interest in Florian Wirtz due to the staggering cost of the potential deal — potentially as high as €300 million — it wasn’t a shock to anyone who’s followed their transfer philosophy.

City don’t do desperation. Not when they walked away from Harry Kane, not when they passed on Jorginho or Fred, and not now with Wirtz. It’s not just about who they don’t buy — it’s about who they buy instead. Rodri, Haaland, Ruben Dias — all smart, calculated deals that have paid off. That’s not penny-pinching. It’s precision.

Wirtz: Talented, but overpriced?

There’s no doubt Wirtz is one of the hottest properties in Europe. Sixteen goals from midfield, an essential cog in Xabi Alonso’s undefeated Bundesliga-winning machine — he’s the type of player any top club would be lucky to have. But is he worth shattering your wage structure and outlaying €300 million, especially when there are other needs in the squad?

City clearly don’t think so. As BBC Sport revealed, “an agreement to sign the 22-year-old would represent the biggest deal in City’s history.” And for a club that’s spent big in the past, that’s saying something.

Photo: IMAGO

Backing Foden over a marquee name

What’s arguably more interesting is the message this move sends about Phil Foden. Guardiola has always spoken highly of Foden, but the decision to pass on Wirtz feels like more than just a financial play. It’s a vote of confidence.

Bringing in Wirtz would have created a direct challenge for Foden’s central role. Opting out suggests City believe they already have their heir to Kevin De Bruyne in-house. “The decision to withdraw from the race to land Wirtz should also be viewed as a commitment to Phil Foden’s role,” as BBC Sport rightly put it.

Eyes elsewhere: Gibbs-White and future options

City won’t stop looking for midfield reinforcements, but they may choose to spread the money smarter. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly on their radar. He’s younger, cheaper, and comes with Premier League experience.

In short, the Wirtz pullback isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s strategic clarity. City have been here before, and history suggests they’ll land just fine.