Manchester City is preparing for the era of 'post-dubliner'.
Dubreiner is Manchester City's ace who doesn't need an explanation. Dubreiner, who joined Manchester City in 2015, opened the era of Manchester City with an amazing performance. He has won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups and one European Champions League title, including treble in the 2022-2023 season.
But I couldn't get away with the years. Injuries have continued since last season, and playing time has been noticeably reduced. Of course, he performed amazingly after returning from injury last season, but he has not been able to play this season due to major and minor injuries. In the midst of the ups and downs of the Dubliner, Manchester City fell into a slump.
Dubliner's contract with Manchester City will end after this season. The expiration of the contract is just around the corner, but the renewal of the contract does not seem to be progressing. Dubliner also said "I didn't talk to anyone about renewing the contract." Dubliner is considering entering Saudi Arabia or the U.S. Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is playing, is active.
With this situation, Manchester City also has a world without a dubliner in mind. The successor had a good eye on him early on. He is the ace of Leverkusen in Germany, Florian Birtz. The British Daily Mail said on the 26th (Korea time) that Manchester City is preparing to recruit Birz. Then 'Birtz's impressive performance attracted the attention of several big clubs. Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Birtz and sees him as a long-term successor to the Dubreiner.
Birtz, who was called Germany's top prospect, exploded his talent last season. He led Leverkusen's attack with technical and sensational play, leading him to his first Bundesliga championship. Leverkusen, with Birtz's heroic performance at the forefront, recorded an unbeaten record of 49 games. Birtz has also expanded his presence in the German national team and emerged as a clear ace. He has continued to perform consistently this season with 12 goals and 8 assists.
Naturally, there was a love call from big clubs. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Liverpool sent courts. Among them, Manchester City is the most active. Leverkusen succeeded in catching Birz ahead of this season, but it is unclear whether he will be able to join him next season. Birtz has yet to agree on a contract extension with Leverkusen. For now, Leverkusen wants to be with him until the 2026 World Cup.
Leverkusen raised its ransom further due to the interest of big clubs. It wants 124 million pounds (about 227 billion won). It's enough money to invest in Man City who want to be desperate.
Reporter Park Chan-joon vanbasten@sportschosun.com
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
