Manchester City have reportedly already identified the player who could replace Kevin De Bruyne in Pep Guardiola’s side.
De Bruyne, 33, is widely considered one of the best midfielders to have played in the Premier League but has seen a huge drop off in form throughout the 2024/25 campaign – although he has still managed to register four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances.
On Friday (August 4), De Bruyne confirmed the news which many expected was coming when he took to social media explaining how the next few months will be his last at Man City.
"Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading,” De Bruyne wrote in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
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“So I'll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.
"Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here - and you deserve to hear it from me first.
"Football led me to all of you - and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This City. This club. These people... gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what - we won everything.
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"Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. "Manchester" will forever be on our kids' passports - and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
"This will always be our HOME.
"We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.”
But who will replace the six-time Premier League winner next season?
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According to reports from the Mail, City have identified Germany and Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz as the man who could attempt to fill the gap in Guardiola’s squad.
Wirtz, 21, who has registered nine goals and ten assists in the Bundesliga this season, is reportedly valued at north of £85m and has two years left on his contract at Xabi Alonso’s side.
But City could have competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid if they want to sign the German this summer. The potential arrival of Wirtz would follow the recent trend of City signing players 25 years old or under to reduce the average age of their squad - with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nicolás González - all signed in the winter transfer window - fitting this description.
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Transfer News, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Bundesliga
Luke Davies