Man City Face Tough Choices as Kevin De Bruyne’s Contract Nears Expiry
Kevin De Bruyne, a cornerstone of Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, is out of contract next summer, forcing the club to confront a challenging decision: renew their 33-year-old playmaker or prepare for life without him.
De Bruyne has been instrumental in City’s trophy-laden era, with Guardiola building his system around the Belgian star. However, the possibility of De Bruyne departing raises pressing questions about his potential successor—and whether City have already missed key opportunities to secure one.
Missed Opportunities: Cole Palmer and James Maddison
According to Macro Football, two players closely resemble De Bruyne in their ability to influence both attack and defense: Cole Palmer and James Maddison. Unfortunately for City, both are no longer viable options due to missed chances.
The decision to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea, once seen as a logical move, now appears shortsighted. Palmer, with his remarkable form—33 goal contributions in 34 Premier League matches last season and 12 in 12 this season—has become a revelation at Stamford Bridge. Given City’s current struggles, Palmer could have been an ideal heir to De Bruyne, thriving in a midfield desperate for rejuvenation.
Similarly, City passed on the opportunity to sign James Maddison, who had long been linked with a move to the Etihad. Maddison’s technical brilliance, creativity, and finishing ability made him a natural successor to De Bruyne. Following Ilkay Gundogan’s departure in 2023, Maddison could have fortified City’s midfield during their treble-winning momentum. Instead, Tottenham Hotspur snapped him up for just £40 million, and his quality has been evident ever since—highlighted by his impact in Spurs’ recent win over City, where he played a starring role.
Guardiola’s Contract Extension and the Road Ahead
While City secured their immediate future by renewing Pep Guardiola’s contract for two more years, the manager now faces the daunting task of reimagining his team without its most vital player.
De Bruyne’s influence cannot be overstated, and his departure would leave a significant void. The midfielder has yet to decide on his future, saying, “I’ll evaluate everything next summer.” However, his ongoing injury struggles and advancing age make succession planning more urgent than ever.
Present Troubles, Future Uncertainty
City’s struggles this season, including a poor run of form, have likely delayed long-term planning. Yet the club must act decisively if they hope to avoid compounding their current issues with future challenges.
With few ready-made options available, Guardiola must navigate the next two seasons carefully, balancing short-term fixes with long-term stability. Whether through youth development, strategic signings, or tactical reinvention, Manchester City’s post-De Bruyne era is fast approaching—and the club must be ready to face it.
