Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Tue 12 August 2025 17:09, UK

Pep Guardiola could look to emulate Liverpool’s record-breaking deal for Florian Wirtz in an attempt to battle for the Premier League title.

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The Reds splashed £116million for the German’s signature [BBC Sport], and he already looks to have an incredible impact on the squad, notching the assist for Hugo Ekitike‘s opener against Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot‘s side looks a force to be reckoned with, building on their success of last season after lifting the Premier League title against Arsenal, but also leaving supporters wanting much more.

That will be a huge worry for the Citizens, with the Gunners also making a number of smart acquisitions, and Guardiola’s team has become slightly unbalanced due to some key injuries.

Florian Wirtz’s stats for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024/25 season.

(Credit: Imago)

Rodri and Mateo Kovacic being sidelined is a huge blow for City’s hopes at the start of the season, especially with Nico Gonzalez yet to prove himself as the sole defensive midfielder just yet.

Of course, some players can adapt to midfield, such as Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly, and John Stones, so many supporters will feel that the squad’s biggest weakness is the flanks.

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While Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have both joined, Mick Brown told Football Insider that Savinho wants to leave Man City for Tottenham, which would leave Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb as the only natural wingers.

Therefore, after Fabrizio Romano reported (11 August) that Real Madrid‘s Rodrygo is being considered by the Citizens as a “dream” target, the required €100m (£86m) transfer fee might be a no-brainer.

The 24-year-old’s talents are clearly surplus to requirements over in Spain, but with 14 goals and 10 assists last season, it is almost a baffling decision from the La Liga giants.

Seen as a compatible character [FBref], Rodrygo could be seen as Guardiola’s answer to Wirtz at Anfield, with the Brazilian boasting a pass completion 7.6 per cent higher than the German.

He is far more accurate on the ball, also ranking in the 86th percentile for progressive carries, while Wirtz only ranks in the 77th percentile for attacking midfielders, showing that parts of his game are much sharper.

Forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the top 98th percentile for progressive passes, progressive carries, and successful take-ons, as well as the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions.

Of course, the Liverpool man does excel in other areas as an attacking midfielder, such as successful take-ons, shot-creating actions, and progressive passes, but the two would have a battle of their own in the Premier League.

Even with Erling Haaland through the middle, City struggled to create goals last term, having recorded their worst goalscoring season since 2015/16, so the hope will be that Rodrygo can be a shining light next season.

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