Kevin De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Belgian midfielder, who was the subject of transfer rumors linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia, now faces a pivotal period in his career with less than a year remaining on his contract. If no agreement is reached, De Bruyne could leave the club on a free transfer next summer.
Following Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham, De Bruyne addressed these swirling rumors, making it clear that he hasn’t been swayed by any of the speculation. “I haven’t been entertained by the rumors,” the 32-year-old said, signaling that his focus remains on the club. He also expressed confidence that discussions regarding a potential contract extension will take place soon, stating, “I’m sure there will be talks in the coming weeks.”
These remarks have offered City fans a glimmer of hope, but they also serve as a reminder that Pep Guardiola must begin planning for a future without the midfield maestro. City could explore external options to replace De Bruyne, perhaps targeting a new No.10, or they might already have the solution in-house with Jack Grealish, who has shown glimpses of being more than capable of filling that role.
While Grealish may not yet possess De Bruyne’s elite passing range and visionary playmaking, the former Aston Villa star brings his own unique strengths to the table. Recently, Grealish took on the central attacking midfield role for England in a match against the Republic of Ireland, and his performance raised eyebrows. It was a clear indication that he could regularly excel in such a position.
Though Grealish has had limited minutes this season, he wasted no time in demonstrating his sharpness against Ireland. His willingness to take on defenders, driving directly at the heart of the opposition’s backline, created opportunities for his teammates. Grealish also displayed composure in possession, carefully picking his moments to release the ball and maintain England’s momentum.
One of the highlights of his performance came when Grealish found himself in dangerous positions inside the box. After a few failed attempts, he broke through with a clinical finish. Declan Rice, who had earlier given England the lead, set up Grealish with a well-placed cut-back, allowing the City midfielder to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
Beyond his goal, Grealish came close to bagging an assist on multiple occasions. In one memorable first-half moment, he surged from his own half, gliding past Irish defenders before playing a deft pass to Harry Kane, whose shot was blocked. Later, Grealish linked up with Anthony Gordon for another promising chance, but the goalkeeper managed to make the save.
A trademark of Grealish’s game that continues to shine through is his ability to win fouls. Whether under pressure or leading England’s attacks, Grealish repeatedly drew fouls from Ireland’s defenders, showcasing his expertise in disrupting the opposition’s rhythm. He remains a master at earning set-piece opportunities for his team.
In total, Grealish’s performance was nothing short of impressive, and it reinforced the notion that he is capable of playing in the No.10 role for City. While it’s true that Premier League competition will offer a much sterner test than what Ireland provided, there’s no reason to assume that Grealish can’t replicate his form against higher-caliber opposition. How will we know until Pep Guardiola gives him that chance in De Bruyne’s absence? It’s a question worth asking—and one that may soon demand an answer.
