With Kevin De Bruyne‘s future at Manchester City hanging in the balance, head coach Pep Guardiola has reportedly targeted a $100 million player to fill his shoes.
The uncertainty surrounding Kevin De Bruyne comes after a series of underwhelming performances, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. Recent reports indicate that Guardiola has pinpointed a potential successor in a young, dynamic talent.
This season has posed challenges for City, particularly with Rodri sidelined and veterans like Ilkay Gundogan and De Bruyne struggling to regain their previous form. Following his contract extension, Guardiola is keen on rejuvenating the squad.
According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, 21-year-old Florian Wirtz has emerged as the prime candidate to replace De Bruyne. To acquire the German midfielder, Manchester City may need to fork out $100 million alongside a cut of any future resale value.
Manchester City previously made a move to secure Wirtz during the January transfer window, reaching out to both the player and his representatives. However, the Bayer Leverkusen star opted to remain and complete the season with his current club, which is in contention for the Bundesliga title and a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
With Wirtz reportedly nearing a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, and with Bayern Munich also showing interest, Manchester City could face intense competition. Nevertheless, with De Bruyne’s significant wages no longer on the books and their financial clout, City remains well-positioned to finalize the deal.
What Lies Ahead for Kevin De Bruyne?
De Bruyne’s contract renewal was a significant topic as the 2024-25 season approached. However, ongoing injuries and a notable decline in performance have stalled discussions.
Reports from The Athletic in January suggested that a transfer to San Diego FC was “closer than ever,” though no official agreement has been reached. With less than five months left on his contract and a hefty annual salary of £20.8 million (according to Capology), De Bruyne appears increasingly misaligned with Manchester City’s rebuilding strategy—evidenced by his absence as an unused substitute in the recent Premier League match against Newcastle United.
