image via - @flowirtz/ X

Who Can Replace Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City? Potential Successors for Man City’s Midfield Maestro

Manchester City has been active on the market having anticipated Kevin De Bruyne’s departure .

image via - @flowirtz/ X

The departure of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City could turn out to be more damaging than it appears to the eye. Although the likes of De Bruyne could be termed as irreplaceable, Pep Guardiola is expected to cautiously approach the process of his successor.

Without a proper alternative, Manchester City could go from being in the rough to worse. However, Guardiola and his scouts will be active to find the perfect replacement for De Bruyne. With the emerging youngsters being offered to the club, Guardiola will also have numerous options to sign this summer.

🚨 Manchester City are planning to be very active in the January transfer window and have an ambitious shortlist of targets:

🇧🇷 Bruno Guimarães
🇩🇪 Jamal Musiala
🇩🇪 Florian Wirtz
🇪🇸 Martin Zubimendi
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Marc Guéhi

(Source: @thetimes) pic.twitter.com/48NqA9gRpi
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 29, 2024

Why Manchester City Must Plan for Life After KDB?

De Bruyne has been the heart of Manchester City’s midfield over the past decade. With him deciding the tempo at which City played, Guardiola might miss more than just a midfielder at this departure. Without a leading figure at the centre of the pitch now, it’ll be important for Manchester City to find appropriate alternatives.

Not only they will lack the experience around the midfield, Manchester City will also lack those killer instincts. With players like Erling Haaland upfront who thrive under players like De Bruyne, a whole system rebuild could also be in questions.

Kevin De Bruyne’s Potential Successors: Who Could Replace Man City’s Playmaking King?

There has been a wave of transfer links termed to be as the possible replacementents of De Bruyne. Here are some of the potential prospects that could replace De Bruyne at Manchester City:

Florian Wirtz (Bayern Leverkusen)

Bundesliga attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz is said to be on Guardiola’s radar since last summer. The German has had a significant impact on recent Bayern Leverkusen success under Xabi Alonso. Having 19 goal contributions in 20 starts in the Bundesliga this season, Wirtz has continued to impress the football world with his attacking prowess.

Wirtz could cost Manchester City around €120 million as per his value in the market. The 21-year-old signed an extension which expires in 2027 with Bayern Leverkusen. It would be a statement of recruitment if Guardiola and his team manage to bring Wirtz to Etihad. However, there has also been reports that the transfer will only go through if Manchester City manages to end up in the top four.

Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)

Xavi Simons has had a fair share of interest in joining the Premier League in the past. Shining in the Bundesliga following his move from PSV, Simons has been on plenty of the scouting lists. The Dutchman is estimated to be of around €70 million as per Transfermarkt.

Simons has had an instant impact at Leipzig having over 30 goals and contributions since joining them in 2023. The addition of the attacking midfielder could add to the dynamics different from De Bruyne. While the Belgian is known for his pin-point passing range, Simons brings a natural dribbling trait with him.

City fans who want Foden out because of creativity but want Wirtz in are the funniest set of fans when both are on the same level of creativity

Infact Foden would do x10 better in Bundesliga than what Wirtz is doing now

Just look at the chances they’ve both created pic.twitter.com/WtOu071k5c
— َ🪂 (@_savinha_) March 18, 2025

Phil Foden (In-House Solution)

Let’s not forget that Phil Foden started as an attacking midfielder in the Manchester City academy. Experience separating him from other players in the first team had him adapt to the wide attacking position. Growing under Guardiola, the 24-year-old has made over 150 appearances in the Premier League.

Shifting the system to Foden in the midfield, Guardiola could also solve his problems on the left flank. With an in-house filling, Manchester City could scout for a wide spectrum of options to fill in the voids.

ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne to MLS? San Diego’s Sporting Director Hints Talks with Man City Star

Filling in for De Bruyne is going to be Guardiola’s biggest task this summer. Although the veteran was sidelined due to injury in the recent course, his absence can be reflected in Manchester City’s standing. The six-time Premier League winner will certainly leave a void to fill following his departure from Etihad.

Manchester City have had a rough season given their standards. Guardiola who nurtured De Bruyne would certainly look at the Belgian to pull them out of the rough as his last effort. With the hopes of silverware gone, De Bruyne could help get the team par for the Champions League qualification.

Florian Wirtz

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

Phil Foden

Premier League

Xavi Simons

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!