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Manchester United are reportedly interested in Bayern Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to leave Manchester United this summer and the Red Devils are seeing Wirtz as the legendary forward’s replacement, reported French outlet Media Foot.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who still has a year left on his current contract with Manchester United, is actively looking for a change ahead of the new term, according to CaughtOffSide.
After rising through Leverkusen’s youth set-up, Wirtz made his first-team debut during the 2019-20 season. He netted 10 goals and provided 14 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen last campaign.
The 19-year-old, who can play as both winger and attacking midfielder, has a current market value of around $73 million, according to Transfermarkt. Just last month, Wirtz signed a new long-term contract that tied him down at Leverkusen until 2027. Hence, the Bundesliga club has leverage to demand a higher asking price.
Wirtz has played in a false No. 9 position, which is similar to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. The Old Trafford side’s new head coach Erik ten Hag could utilize the two players in this position instead of signing a forward similar to Ronaldo.
Photo: AFP / Paul ELLIS
Already a regular face in Leverkusen and Germany national team’s squads, Wirtz is considered one of the most promising soccer players.
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that Manchester United have succumbed to the pressure from Ronaldo to leave and have labeled the Portuguese forward with an asking price of around $16 million. He top-scored for Manchester United last season with 24 goals in 39 competitive appearances. The Red Devils have traveled to Bangkok for a pre-season tour and Ronaldo is not a part of it.
Ronaldo is heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, who are also close to securing Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
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