In the ever-evolving world of football, one of the most significant and anticipated events of 2025 is the departure of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker, who has long been considered one of the best midfielders in Premier League history, confirmed that the 2024/25 season would mark the end of his time at the club. This announcement, though expected by many, still sent shockwaves through the footballing world, leaving fans and pundits alike to wonder how Manchester City would replace such an influential figure in their squad. However, Pep Guardiola and the City hierarchy seem to already have a solution in mind, with reports indicating that they have identified a potential successor who could not only fill the void left by De Bruyne but also propel the team to new heights.
The 2024/25 campaign has seen a noticeable dip in Kevin De Bruyne’s form, with the once-dominant midfielder struggling to maintain the high standards he set in previous seasons. Despite this, his numbers remain impressive, registering four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances. De Bruyne’s influence on Manchester City has been immeasurable over the years, helping the club secure multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups, alongside their historic Champions League triumph in 2023. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game, deliver precise passes, and contribute both goals and assists has made him a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.
However, De Bruyne’s announcement that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024/25 season came as a bittersweet moment for fans and the club alike. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, De Bruyne reflected on his journey with Manchester City, expressing his gratitude for the city, the club, and the supporters who welcomed him when he first arrived in 2015. He acknowledged the inevitable end of his playing career at the club and the emotional toll it took on him, but emphasized how special his time at City had been. The message was emotional and heartfelt, and it left no room for ambiguity: De Bruyne would be moving on after this season.
“Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading,” De Bruyne wrote. “So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here—and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This City. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what—we won everything.”
With the announcement of De Bruyne’s exit, the focus now shifts to who can replace such an iconic figure. The task of finding a player capable of matching De Bruyne’s vision, passing range, and ability to influence a match is no small feat. However, it appears that Guardiola and his staff have already set their sights on a potential successor.
According to reports from The Mail Manchester City have already identified Bayer Leverkusen’s 21-year-old attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s departure. Wirtz, who has enjoyed a stellar season in the Bundesliga, has registered nine goals and ten assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create chances for his teammates. With his performances catching the eye of several top European clubs, it is clear that Wirtz has the potential to become one of the brightest talents in world football.
Wirtz’s playing style bears some similarities to that of De Bruyne, particularly in his ability to pick out incisive passes and his vision in the final third. Known for his technical skill, dribbling, and creativity, Wirtz has often been compared to some of Europe’s top midfielders. His ability to unlock opposition defenses with clever through balls and accurate long-range passes makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s tactical system, which relies heavily on fluid passing and positional play.
Moreover, Wirtz’s age makes him an ideal candidate for Manchester City’s strategy of signing young, promising players who can develop and adapt to Guardiola’s demanding style of football. At just 21 years old, Wirtz still has the potential for significant growth and could be molded into one of the best midfielders in Europe under Guardiola’s tutelage.
Given Wirtz’s exceptional performances this season, Bayer Leverkusen have placed a hefty price tag on their star midfielder. Reports indicate that the German international is valued at over £85 million, a figure that could rise even further if interest from other top clubs intensifies. Manchester City will likely face competition from some of Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both reportedly monitoring Wirtz’s situation closely.
Bayern Munich, in particular, has long been linked with a move for Wirtz, and their interest in the player could be heightened by the potential departure of some of their aging midfielders. Real Madrid, meanwhile, could see Wirtz as a long-term replacement for aging figures such as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. As a result, Manchester City will need to act swiftly and decisively if they are to secure Wirtz’s signature this summer
The potential signing of Wirtz would fit into a broader trend at Manchester City, where the club has been focusing on signing younger players with high potential. Recent acquisitions such as Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nicolás González highlight the club’s intent to refresh their squad by bringing in players under the age of 25, thus reducing the average age of their team and ensuring long-term sustainability.
This strategy also aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy of developing young talent and integrating them into the first team. With a well-established infrastructure for player development, City has been able to nurture some of the best young talents in Europe, and Wirtz could be the next player to benefit from this environment
The departure of Kevin De Bruyne marks the end of an era at Manchester City, but it also opens the door for a new chapter. De Bruyne’s influence on the club has been immense, and his legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by fans for years to come. However, Manchester City are a club built on success, and they will be determined to ensure that De Bruyne’s exit does not derail their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
The potential signing of Florian Wirtz would not only fill the gap left by De Bruyne’s departure but also send a strong message to the rest of Europe: Manchester City remain a force to be reckoned with. By securing one of the brightest young talents in Europe, Guardiola would be ensuring that his team continues to evolve and stay ahead of the competition.
Furthermore, the signing of Wirtz would likely have a ripple effect across Europe, with other top clubs monitoring City’s movements closely. If Manchester City were to successfully land Wirtz, it could prompt other clubs to reassess their own strategies in the transfer market, further intensifying the already fierce competition for young talent in European football.
However, securing Wirtz’s signature will not be easy. As mentioned, City will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of whom have the financial resources and the allure of playing for prestigious clubs. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen will be reluctant to let go of their star player, especially after his exceptional performances this season.
In order to secure Wirtz, Manchester City will likely need to offer a substantial financial package, including a transfer fee and potentially lucrative wages to attract the player. Additionally, the club will need to convince Wirtz that Manchester City represents the best environment for his development and that he will have the opportunity to play a central role in Guardiola’s plans moving forward.
The departure of Kevin De Bruyne is a significant moment in the history of Manchester City, but the club appears well-prepared for life after the Belgian maestro. With Florian Wirtz emerging as a potential replacement, City could be set to continue their dominance in both domestic and European football. The signing of Wirtz would not only fill the gap left by De Bruyne’s exit but also send shockwaves through Europe, signaling Manchester City’s ongoing commitment to success and their ability to attract the best young talent in the world.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City and their pursuit of Wirtz. The battle for the German midfielder’s signature is sure to be one of the most hotly contested transfer sagas of the year, and it could ultimately determine whether City can continue their relentless pursuit of glory in the post-De Bruyne era.
