Bayer Leverkusen target Jack Grealish as Florian Wirtz replacement

Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly considering signing Jack Grealish as a replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is on the verge of transferring to Liverpool. With Wirtz’s imminent departure, the German club is urgently seeking a high-profile player to fill the creative gap left in their squad.

According to reports from England, new Leverkusen coach Erik ten Hag has identified Grealish as the ideal candidate to step into Wirtz’s role.

The 29-year-old English midfielder, who has struggled for regular playing time at Manchester City, is seen as a perfect fit to bolster Leverkusen’s attacking options.

Grealish’s potential arrival could mark a significant shift in his career, moving from the Premier League to the Bundesliga. Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa to City in 2021 cost the Premier League club a staggering €118 million, highlighting his value.

However, recent developments suggest that Grealish has fallen out of favor at Manchester City, with reports indicating he will not be part of the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup. City is reportedly willing to accept around €47 million for his transfer, a fee that would be substantial for Leverkusen to meet.

The potential move could also involve a pay cut for Grealish, as Manchester City would require him to accept lower wages to facilitate the transfer. This financial adjustment might be a small price to pay for Grealish if it means securing regular first-team football and a new challenge in Germany.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s interest in Grealish signals their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Aside from Grealish, other players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Nico Paz have also been mentioned as possible replacements for Wirtz.