Man City sucker punch as Florian Wirtz’s father rolls out red carpet for Bayern

Manchester City and Real Madrid may have been dealt a fatal blow in their bid to beat Bayern Munich to Florian Wirtz’s signature.

The German international is understood to be very much admired by the three Champions League regulars.

However, our report with BILD has established that FC Bayern are now firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to potentially completing a transfer this summer.

The Bayer Leverkusen star allegedly told Xabi Alonso that he won’t be following the Spaniard out of the exit door. That’s regardless of whether or not the head coach replaces Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola is a tempting figure for Florian Wirtz

You could forgive elite European footballers for having their heads turned by one of the sport’s great modern architects in Pep Guardiola.

Indeed, I’ve heard that Guardiola made quite the impression on Wirtz after a prior phone call. The former Barcelona boss had, of course, been making his pitch for the 22-year-old to join him at Man City.

The Sky Blues will be in need of an immediate injection of world-class quality in the upcoming transfer window. That’s due in no small part to Kevin De Bruyne’s expected departure (his contract is set to wind down this summer) at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Belgian international has been a key figure since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2015. He’s registered 285 goal contributions in 418 games.

Hans-Joachim Wirtz hands Bayern an advantage

Family ties may yet win the war for Bayern.

Despite an intriguing conversation with Guardiola, we understand that Florian Wirtz’s father (and agent), Hans-Joachim Wirtz, is of the mind that a switch to Munich would be the next best step.

This has created shockwaves over at Säbener Straße. In fact, the club’s bosses are now convinced that they’ve been handed a big advantage in the race for “Plan A” signing Wirtz.

A deal has yet to be signed, sealed or delivered ahead of Bayern’s impending Bundesliga title celebrations on Saturday.

However, it would seem that an important step forward has been taken in the club’s bid to strengthen Vincent Kompany’s first-XI.

An important piece of the puzzle, no doubt, as Bayern look to build a Champions League-winning outfit.

Bayern must tug on Jamal Musiala thread

A green light from Hans-Joachim Wirtz is no doubt encouraging.

However, it’s now up to Max Eberl and Christoph Freund to utilise every weapon in their arsenal to convince the playmaker.

Florian Wirtz’s positive relationship with Bayern favourite Jamal Musiala is one such thread that must be pulled. It’s certainly an idea that the Leverkusen star’s father already approves of.

The Bayern Insider: Why Bayern can still beat Man City & Real Madrid to Florian Wirtz