Ten KEY questions for the 2026/27 Premier League season

Manchester United have moved to the forefront of the race to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2026–27 season, according to reports emerging from Germany. The 21-year-old German international has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after talents following a stellar campaign in which he contributed 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions for the Bundesliga champions, who remain unbeaten domestically under Xabi Alonso's management.

United's aggressive pursuit of Wirtz underscores the club's determination to compete for domestic and European honours after finishing fifth in the Premier League table. The midfielder's creative output and technical excellence have drawn admiration from multiple elite sides, yet Erik ten Hag's side believe they can offer the player a pathway to Champions League football and trophies comparable to the competition provided by Real Madrid or Manchester City. Leverkusen have already rejected one formal approach this summer, valuing their prized asset at over £80 million.

Should negotiations progress, Wirtz would arrive at Old Trafford as one of the summer window's marquee signings, joining a midfield that struggled for consistency during the 2025–26 campaign. The German attacker made 48 appearances for Leverkusen last season and remains under contract until 2028, giving United considerable time to structure a deal. His arrival would represent a significant recalibration of United's ambitions as they prepare for the demanding fixture schedule ahead.