Manchester City is undergoing a period of significant change. With manager Pep Guardiola at the helm, the club is preparing for a major overhaul in the summer of 2025. The heart of this transformation revolves around replacing one of their most crucial players, Kevin De Bruyne. According to reports, Guardiola has already lined up a potential €100 million deal to bring in a new signing who could take De Bruyne’s place in the squad.
De Bruyne, who has been an integral part of Manchester City’s success for many years, is expected to leave the club as a free agent at the end of his current contract. The Belgian international has been a driving force for City, dictating the tempo of their midfield and providing countless assists to his teammates. However, his time at the Etihad is likely coming to an end, and City is already looking ahead to the future. While De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era, Manchester City is determined to maintain their competitive edge in both the Premier League and European football.
The 2024-2025 season has not gone as smoothly as many had hoped for City. Despite making significant investments during the winter transfer window, the team has not seen the immediate improvement that was anticipated. Manchester City suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in a match that left the team reeling. They followed that up with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, but this was followed by a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League. In that game, City once again failed to hold onto a lead, which has been a recurring issue for the club in recent seasons.
These disappointing results have led to increased speculation that a summer overhaul is on the cards. Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance and ability to rebuild teams, appears to be preparing for a major reshaping of his squad. One of the key pieces of this transformation will be the signing of a new creative midfielder to replace De Bruyne. Guardiola is reportedly targeting Florian Wirtz, the 21-year-old star from Bayer Leverkusen, as the player who can step into De Bruyne’s shoes and become the next big thing in City’s midfield.
Wirtz, who has been one of the standout young players in Europe this season, has been turning heads with his performances in the Bundesliga. As of the 2024-2025 season, Wirtz has scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists for Leverkusen, making him one of the most sought-after talents in European football. His combination of technical ability, vision, and creativity has made him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s style of play. The young German midfielder has the potential to replicate the impact De Bruyne has had at City, and Guardiola is keen to bring him to the Etihad.
However, securing Wirtz’s signature is likely to be a difficult task for Manchester City. The player’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €123 million, a figure that represents a significant investment for the club. If City does manage to land Wirtz for the reported €100 million fee, it would break their previous transfer record, which currently stands at the €100 million they paid for Jack Grealish in 2021. Moreover, the deal would also set a new Premier League record, surpassing the €121 million that Chelsea spent on Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023. This makes Wirtz not only a key target for City but also a player who could redefine the club’s transfer strategy in the coming years.
Wirtz’s potential move to Manchester City would be part of a broader effort to invest in young talent and ensure the long-term success of the team. Guardiola has often spoken about the need to build a squad that can challenge for titles year after year, and Wirtz represents the kind of player who could help City achieve that goal. At just 21 years old, he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world, and Guardiola would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to work with him.
While De Bruyne’s departure may be the most high-profile exit, he is not the only player who could be leaving Manchester City this summer. Another key figure in City’s squad, Bernardo Silva, has also been linked with a move away from the club. Silva, who has been one of the most consistent performers for City since joining from Monaco in 2017, has revealed that he will not be extending his contract, which is set to run until June 2026. The 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder is expected to be available for transfer in the summer, and several top clubs across Europe are reportedly interested in securing his signature.
Silva’s departure would mark the end of a successful chapter at City, where he has won numerous domestic titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. His versatility, work rate, and ability to create chances have made him a key player for Guardiola, but with his contract nearing its expiration, it seems likely that he will move on in search of a new challenge. While Manchester City is still hopeful that Silva will reconsider and sign a new deal, the reality is that his future at the club appears uncertain.
The potential exits of both De Bruyne and Silva in the same transfer window would represent a major shift for Manchester City, both in terms of personnel and playing style. De Bruyne has been the team’s primary creative force for many years, and his departure would leave a significant void in the midfield. Silva, on the other hand, has been a vital contributor to City’s success in recent seasons, offering creativity, flexibility, and work ethic. If both players leave, it will be essential for Guardiola to find suitable replacements who can maintain the team’s high standards.
While Manchester City’s squad is full of talented players, the departure of two key midfielders would require the club to make significant investments in the transfer market. The arrival of Wirtz would be a step in the right direction, but Guardiola may also need to add further reinforcements in the midfield and other areas of the squad. The summer transfer window will therefore be a crucial period for Manchester City as they look to maintain their status as one of the best teams in Europe.
The club’s financial muscle means that they are well-placed to make big signings if necessary, and Guardiola will likely be given the resources to strengthen his squad as he sees fit. However, it is not just about spending large sums of money; it is about making the right decisions and ensuring that the team continues to evolve and improve. Guardiola has shown time and time again that he is one of the best managers in the world when it comes to rebuilding teams, and he will need to draw on his experience to navigate this period of transition.
In the wider context of European football, the changing landscape of the transfer market also plays a significant role in these decisions. Clubs across Europe are increasingly looking to sign younger players who can make an impact over the long term, rather than relying solely on established stars. The rise of the Saudi Pro League, which is attracting high-profile players from Europe, is also a factor in shaping the transfer market. With clubs like Al Nassr and Al Hilal offering lucrative contracts to top players, many European clubs, including Manchester City, are facing the challenge of retaining their best talent.
In addition to the Wirtz deal, Manchester City will need to keep an eye on other potential signings to strengthen their squad. The club’s ability to scout and recruit top talent will be crucial as they look to remain competitive in both domestic and international competitions. The Premier League remains one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and with clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United continuing to invest in their squads, City will need to ensure that they remain ahead of the curve.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City’s fans will be eagerly watching to see what decisions Guardiola makes and how the team evolves in the coming months. The club’s ambition to maintain their dominance in both the Premier League and Europe is clear, and with Guardiola at the helm, there is little doubt that Manchester City will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. The changes ahead will be significant, but with the right investments and planning, Manchester City can continue to build a squad that can compete for trophies year after year.
In conclusion, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal time for Manchester City as they look to replace two key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Guardiola is already making plans to bring in Florian Wirtz, a talented young midfielder who could step into De Bruyne’s shoes. The potential departures of De Bruyne and Silva will require Manchester City to make smart decisions in the transfer market, and with their financial resources, they are well-positioned to do so. The future of the club is in good hands with Guardiola, and while changes are coming, Manchester City remains committed to maintaining their status as one of the best teams in Europe. The summer transfer window will be an exciting time for fans, as they watch the team evolve and prepare for the challenges ahead.
