As the 2024/25 season enters its final stretch, Manchester City are preparing for a monumental summer of transition. At the heart of this shift is the anticipated departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract expires at the end of the season. After nearly a decade of dazzling midfield mastery, the Belgian maestro has confirmed he will not extend his stay at the Etihad, sparking speculation about his next move—and, more critically for City, who might fill the considerable void he’ll leave behind.
While attention has understandably been focused on high-profile European prospects such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, a new and unexpected name has emerged on City’s radar. According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester City are seriously considering Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison as a potential successor to De Bruyne—and are reportedly prepared to spend £60 million to secure his services.
At first glance, Maddison’s name may surprise many who expected City to pursue a more continental star or a younger talent with resale value. However, there’s strategic logic behind City’s interest. At 28, Maddison is entering his prime years, and with significant Premier League experience, he represents a readymade option who can slot into Guardiola’s system without requiring an extended adaptation period.
Maddison’s creativity, set-piece prowess, and eye for goal have long been admired across the Premier League. His footballing intelligence and ability to operate between the lines could make him an ideal stylistic fit for the role De Bruyne has mastered. While comparisons to the Belgian are ambitious, Maddison’s profile aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy: technically gifted, positionally flexible, and comfortable operating under pressure.
Perhaps the most surprising detail in the report is that Tottenham Hotspur, Maddison’s current club, may be open to a summer sale. Signed in 2023 from Leicester City, Maddison began his Spurs career brightly but has endured a stop-start campaign due to injuries and inconsistency within the squad. Despite this, his output has remained impressive—11 goals and 9 assists across all competitions for the 2024/25 season speak to his continued value.
Ange Postecoglou, Spurs’ head coach, has publicly backed Maddison on numerous occasions, but the club’s long-term direction may not be as clear-cut. If Tottenham fail to qualify for the Champions League or if Postecoglou seeks to overhaul his squad to fit a different tactical approach, Maddison could find himself on the market.
City’s potential £60 million bid would be difficult for Tottenham to ignore, especially if reinvestment opportunities align with the club’s transfer strategy.
While Maddison is now a legitimate contender, he is by no means the only player City are tracking. German prodigy Florian Wirtz remains a high-priority target. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers this season, helping Leverkusen maintain their title challenge with his intelligent playmaking and composure in the final third.
Wirtz, however, comes with a premium price tag and significant competition from other European giants. His availability might also be complicated by Bayer Leverkusen’s ambition and their reluctance to lose a generational talent unless a truly staggering offer arrives.
Other names that have been loosely linked with City include Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Xavi Simons (on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG), and even a romantic return for Cole Palmer, who left for Chelsea but has since emerged as one of the brightest young English midfielders in the league.
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne is more than a numbers game. It’s not just about finding someone who can deliver double-digit goals and assists. De Bruyne has been central to Guardiola’s tactical evolution at Manchester City—combining brute efficiency with creative genius. His presence in the locker room, leadership on the pitch, and ability to deliver in decisive moments has made him one of the defining players of the Guardiola era.
Maddison may not replicate that influence in full, but he does bring a similar swagger and vision. Importantly, he’s a player unafraid to shoulder responsibility. In a team of established stars, Maddison has the temperament and personality to thrive—not unlike Jack Grealish, another former mid-table talisman who has found his role within City’s structured chaos.
Should City opt for Maddison, the tactical tweak could be subtle. Maddison could occupy a slightly more advanced role, perhaps in a 4-2-3-1 or as the central figure in a rotating midfield trio. His range of passing, shooting from distance, and comfort on the half-turn would allow Guardiola to continue exploiting half-spaces and quick transitions—cornerstones of City’s recent dominance.
From a financial standpoint, £60 million for Maddison appears reasonable by Premier League standards, especially considering his nationality and experience. It also allows City to avoid potentially inflated prices from clubs less willing to negotiate (such as Real Madrid or PSG) and maintain some level of domestic familiarity.
Moreover, with De Bruyne’s contract expiring and no extension on the table, City won’t face the typical financial burden of replacing a departing star who commands a major transfer fee. The Belgian’s wage packet, among the highest in the league, will also free up considerable room on the payroll.
Should Maddison join, he would likely command a salary in the range of £200,000–£250,000 per week—still significantly lower than some of City’s top earners, making him a relatively economical option.
While speculation swirls about his replacement, De Bruyne himself remains focused on finishing his time at Manchester City with silverware. He was instrumental in City’s recent 5-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace, proving once again that even at 33, he remains a class apart.
Interest in De Bruyne is widespread, with clubs in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, and even Belgium’s Pro League reportedly interested. A final hurrah in MLS, perhaps alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has been suggested, though no official announcement has been made.
Wherever he goes, De Bruyne’s exit will mark the end of an era—not just for Manchester City, but for the Premier League as a whole. His consistency, creativity, and brilliance have made him one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.
The response to the Maddison links has been mixed among the City faithful. Some supporters see the logic in targeting a homegrown Premier League-proven player who can contribute immediately. Others argue the club should be more ambitious—perhaps aiming for Wirtz, Ødegaard, or a world-class playmaker from continental Europe.
Nonetheless, there’s cautious optimism. Maddison may not be De Bruyne—but then again, nobody is. If Guardiola believes he can mould the Tottenham man into the next iteration of City’s attacking heartbeat, history suggests he may just pull it off.
James Maddison as Kevin De Bruyne’s heir apparent might seem unconventional—but it may also be one of Guardiola’s smarter moves. Proven at the top level, creative under pressure, and still with room to improve, Maddison offers a low-risk, high-upside option to help Manchester City evolve once again.
The next few months will be crucial. As De Bruyne prepares his farewell, the Etihad hierarchy will work behind the scenes to shape the club’s future. Whether Maddison is the man to carry the torch forward remains to be seen—but as far as candidates go, he’s a compelling one.
