Five players Manchester City can sign to replace Kevin De Bruyne

By Noah Curitti

On April 4, Kevin De Bruyne, one of Manchester City’s most decorated players, announced on Instagram that he will be leaving the club this summer.

De Bruyne has won 16 trophies during his tenure at the club, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League title in 2023. Now, the Belgian star is looking for a new opportunity and it is safe to say, fans are sad to see such a celebrated player leave.

City fans know how important De Bruyne has been to the club—as captain and one of their top players for years. After a down year, and rivals Liverpool winning the league, fans expect the team to look different next season, with new players joining the club this summer.

Pep Guardiola is now set with the task of finding a replacement to set the Blues back on their usual winning ways. Here are some players who may be best suited to take on that role.

Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz has emerged as Pep Guardiola’s top choice to replace De Bruyne this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen star is admired by Guardiola not only for his technical brilliance, but also for striking similarities to De Bruyne in terms of vision, creativity, and intelligence on the ball. This season alone, Wirtz has registered nine goals and 10 assists, consistently showcasing a playmaking ability that sets him apart from the rest. At just 21 years old, he represents both immediate quality and long-term potential, exactly the kind of profile Manchester City tend to prioritize.

Leverkusen have reportedly set a hefty price tag of €150 million, which would make Wirtz the most expensive transfer signing in Premier League history. Nevertheless, City will have to meet that valuation to secure the German midfielder’s services for next season.

Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons hasn’t quite reached Wirtz’s level yet, but several factors strengthen his case as a potential star for City. He matches Wirtz in key pass metrics, he would come at a significantly lower transfer fee at €70 million compared to Writz’s €150 million and he should slot naturally into Guardiola’s system thanks to his upbringing at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, the same academy Guardiola graduated from during his playing days.

The Dutch international also has above-average finishing ability, and a move to a possession-heavy team would likely see him contribute even more goals and assists. Like Wirtz, Simons is also a major threat on set pieces, an area that will be weakened with De Bruyne’s absence.

Tijjani Reijnders, AC Milan

Tijjani Reijnders fits the mold for a perfect box-to-box midfielder who can score, as he has racked up 15 goals for Italian side, AC Milan in all competitions this season.

The 26-year-old’s spike in attacking output stems from a tactical adjustment that freed Reijnders from some of his defensive duties and encouraged him to take more shots. Now averaging 2.35 attempts per 90 minutes, he ranks among the most shot-happy central midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

While his increased attacking threat is a major asset, Reijnders remains dynamic without the ball, quickly snapping back into pressing mode when possession is lost. His versatility would also be a big bonus for City, who need to patch multiple holes in midfield. He also has a respectful transfer value of €50 million, a good price for a player that brings a lot of versatility for Guardiola to utilize.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest

Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a standout performer for a Nottingham Forest side aiming to return to European competition next season. A creative force at the heart of their attack, he’s been instrumental in their campaign, contributing five goals and seven assists so far. His ability to create chances and unlock defences has caught the eye of top clubs, with Manchester City reportedly considering him as a strong candidate to bolster their midfield.

At 25, he is at the prime of his impact and still has plenty of years ahead to provide value. Nottingham Forest have set his price at €100 million, a figure some consider steep, but with his proven Premier League experience and playmaking qualities, City may see him as a worthwhile investment.

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Morgan Rogers, a former Manchester City academy product, is enjoying a breakout season with Aston Villa. During his earlier spell at City, Rogers admitted he wasn’t quite ready for the first team, but the now 22 year old, with eight goals and eight assists this season, may be rethinking that judgment. Having watched Rogers develop from a young age, Guardiola is likely aware of his growth and could see him as someone ready to contribute immediately. “He was in the second team but trained with us sometimes. We saw glimpses that he could do it. His impact at Aston Villa, what a player,” the City bench boss told the press before City clashed with Roger’s Aston Villa on April 22, a 2-1 City win.

Rogers has shown impressive versatility, capable of playing both as a striker and out wide, which adds another layer of appeal for replacing De Bruyne and improving another position of need for City. While he’s also expected to attract interest from other clubs and could choose to continue his rise at Villa, his current valuation of €50 million makes him a more affordable option for City compared to other targets. His familiarity with the club and the Premier League only adds to the potential upside.

Phil Foden, Manchester City (In-House Replacement)

Another option for Manchester City is to opt against dipping into the transfer market and instead look within their current squad to replace Kevin De Bruyne. Phil Foden is familiar with Guardiola’s system and expectations, making him a strong internal candidate.

Foden was named the Professional Footballers Association’s Player of the Year just last year and has already proven himself as a world-class talent, even if he’s having a quieter season this year. Many City fans would welcome him stepping into a more central role, as long as he can rediscover that top-level form. Having earned Guardiola’s respect over the past eight years together, De Bruyne may be bold enough to recommend to Guardiola to have Foden take over his position.