Manchester City Opts Out of Florian Wirtz Move: Signs Reijnders, Ait-Nouri, and Cherki for £108m
Published on: June 13, 2025
In a surprising turn this transfer window, Manchester City has decided not to pursue Florian Wirtz, the highly-rated German midfielder who has been linked with several top European clubs. Instead, the Premier League champions have focused on strengthening multiple areas of their squad, completing the signings of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki for a total of £108 million, excluding add-ons.
Focus on Squad Depth
Sources close to the club reveal that Pep Guardiola and the City board have strategically moved away from a big-money signing for Wirtz. The management believes that diversifying investments across key positions will offer more balance and depth as they prepare to defend their titles domestically and in Europe.
Tijjani Reijnders: The Midfield Engine
Tijjani Reijnders, previously with AC Milan, is expected to bring creativity and control to City's midfield. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to drive forward with the ball, Reijnders is likely to play an essential role in Guardiola’s tactical setup. His style perfectly complements City’s possession-based football.
Rayan Ait-Nouri: Defensive Stability
From Wolves, Rayan Ait-Nouri joins the champions as a versatile left-back who can also operate in midfield. His defensive awareness and attacking runs down the flank make him an exciting addition to the squad. City aims to strengthen their left-back options, an area that has been a concern in previous seasons.
Rayan Cherki: Future Star
Rayan Cherki, one of Ligue 1’s brightest talents, arrives from Lyon with high expectations. Cherki is known for his dribbling skills, agility, and creative spark, and is seen as a long-term investment for the club. Guardiola is known for developing young talents, and Cherki’s signing aligns with the club’s focus on building for the future.
Why City Ignored Wirtz
Florian Wirtz had been a top target for several months, but City's management reportedly reconsidered the move due to the player's high price tag and competition from other European giants. By securing three promising players instead of one marquee signing, the club has boosted squad depth across multiple positions.
Final Thoughts
This bold transfer strategy could pay off in the long run, as City looks well-prepared for another challenging season. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see how these new signings adapt to Guardiola’s system and contribute to the club’s ongoing success.
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