Manchester City Must Soon Identify Kevin De Bruyne’s Successor
Kevin De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the best players in world football, has faced persistent injury struggles in recent seasons. The Belgian playmaker has missed significant portions of this campaign and, with his contract set to expire in the summer, his long-term future at Manchester City remains uncertain.
Pep Guardiola’s own future at the club could influence what happens next, but one thing is clear: City will need a solid succession plan for De Bruyne. While Phil Foden could be a natural replacement from within the squad, relying solely on internal solutions without securing another creative midfielder or No. 10 would be risky. City are known for their strategic investments rather than splurging on backup players—a lack of a natural Rodri understudy highlights this approach.
Here, I explore some potential candidates who could take up the mantle, including a promising talent already on City’s books.
Claudio Echeverri
- Club: Manchester City
- Price Tag: £12.5m
City have already secured the services of Claudio Echeverri, a young Argentine sensation, who will officially join the squad in January after completing his loan spell at River Plate. At just 18, Echeverri is a talented playmaker with immense potential, drawing comparisons to established stars like Julian Alvarez and Savinho, who have made impressive impacts since their arrivals. While patience will be needed, Echeverri could become a long-term solution for City’s creative midfield needs.
Florian Wirtz
- Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Price Tag: £90m
At 21, Florian Wirtz is already a standout player, spearheading Bayer Leverkusen’s rise under Xabi Alonso. His performances were pivotal in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign last season, and he continues to shine this term. With his immense talent and potential for further growth, Wirtz appears destined for one of Europe’s elite clubs, and City are among those linked to the creative midfielder.
Jamal Musiala
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Price Tag: £100m
One of the most sought-after players in Europe, Jamal Musiala has become a star at Bayern Munich. The former Chelsea academy product consistently impresses with his technical skill, versatility, and creativity in the final third—qualities that align perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical vision. However, prying Musiala away from Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich would demand a substantial investment.
Morgan Gibbs-White
- Club: Nottingham Forest
- Price Tag: £50m
Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s unexpected climb up the Premier League table. The 24-year-old’s ability to play both centrally and out wide, combined with his creativity and technical skills, has earned him a spot in the England squad. As he enters the prime of his career, Gibbs-White could provide City with a dynamic option in midfield.
Eberechi Eze
- Club: Crystal Palace
- Price Tag: £60m
Eberechi Eze has been a bright spark in a struggling Crystal Palace side, often single-handedly inspiring his team with his dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. At 26, Eze is likely nearing a move to a bigger club, and his versatility across the frontline makes him an attractive option for City.
A Critical Decision Awaits
De Bruyne’s influence at City has been monumental, and finding a successor will be a defining moment for Guardiola and the club. Whether the solution lies in nurturing a raw talent like Claudio Echeverri or investing in an established star like Musiala or Wirtz, the choice will shape City’s midfield for years to come.
