Pep Guardiola has ‘already found’ his Kevin De Bruyne replacement for Man City and it would send shockwaves through Europe

In the ever-changing world of football, one of the most notable and eagerly awaited events in 2025 is Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker, who has long been regarded as one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history, has confirmed that the 2024/25 season will mark the conclusion of his tenure at the club. While many expected this move, it still caused a stir in the football world, leaving both fans and pundits questioning how Manchester City would replace such a crucial figure in their squad. However, it appears that Pep Guardiola and the club’s management already have a solution in mind, with reports suggesting they have identified a potential successor who could not only fill De Bruyne’s shoes but elevate the team to new heights.

Kevin De Bruyne’s performance in the 2024/25 season has seen a noticeable decline, with the once-dominant midfielder struggling to maintain the high standards of previous campaigns. Despite this, his statistics remain strong, with four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances. De Bruyne’s impact on Manchester City has been immeasurable over the years, helping secure numerous Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and the historic Champions League victory in 2023. His ability to control the rhythm of a match, provide precise passes, and contribute both goals and assists has made him an essential part of Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach.

Nevertheless, De Bruyne’s announcement of his departure at the end of the 2024/25 season was a bittersweet moment for both fans and the club. In an emotional message posted on social media, De Bruyne reflected on his journey with Manchester City, expressing gratitude for the club, the city, and the supporters who welcomed him 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 heartfelt and left no doubt that 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 De Bruyne’s departure confirmed, the focus now shifts to finding his replacement. Identifying a player capable of matching De Bruyne’s vision, passing ability, and influence on a match is a formidable challenge. However, Guardiola and his staff seem to have already pinpointed a potential successor.

Reports from *The Mail* suggest that Manchester City have identified 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz as the ideal candidate to replace De Bruyne. Wirtz, who has had an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, has contributed nine goals and ten assists, demonstrating his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. With top European clubs taking notice of his performances, it’s clear that Wirtz has the potential to become one of football’s brightest stars.

Wirtz’s playing style shares similarities with De Bruyne, particularly in his ability to deliver precise passes and his vision in the final third. Renowned for his technical ability, dribbling, and creativity, Wirtz is often compared to some of Europe’s top midfielders. His knack for unlocking opposition defenses with intelligent through balls and accurate long-range passes makes him an excellent fit for Guardiola’s tactical system, which is built around fluid passing and positional play.

Furthermore, Wirtz’s age makes him an appealing option for Manchester City’s strategy of signing young, promising players who can develop within Guardiola’s demanding football philosophy. At just 21, Wirtz still has considerable room for growth and could evolve into one of Europe’s top midfielders under Guardiola’s guidance.

Given Wirtz’s exceptional form this season, Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly placed a substantial price tag on the young midfielder. Sources suggest he is valued at over £85 million, a figure that could increase if interest from other top clubs intensifies. Manchester City will likely face competition from Europe’s elite, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of whom are reportedly closely monitoring Wirtz’s situation.

Bayern Munich, in particular, has been consistently linked with Wirtz, and their interest could be heightened by the potential departure of some of their veteran midfielders. Real Madrid, on the other hand, may see Wirtz as a long-term replacement for aging stars such as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. Consequently, Manchester City will need to act swiftly to secure Wirtz’s signature this summer.

Signing Wirtz would align with Manchester City’s broader trend of focusing on young players with high potential. Recent acquisitions such as Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nicolás González demonstrate the club’s commitment to refreshing their squad with players under the age of 25, ensuring both short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

This strategy also complements Guardiola’s philosophy of developing young talent and integrating them into the first team. With a strong infrastructure for player development, City has been able to nurture some of Europe’s brightest young prospects, and Wirtz could be the next to benefit from this environment.

De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era at Manchester City, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter. De Bruyne’s impact on the club has been profound, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on. Nevertheless, Manchester City is a club built on success, and they will be determined to ensure that De Bruyne’s exit does not disrupt their pursuit of domestic and European glory.

Signing Florian Wirtz would not only fill the void left by De Bruyne’s departure but also send a powerful message to the rest of Europe: Manchester City remains a formidable force. Securing one of Europe’s brightest young talents would ensure that Guardiola’s team continues to evolve and maintain its competitive edge.

Additionally, the potential signing of Wirtz could send ripples throughout European football, with other top clubs watching Manchester City’s moves closely. If Manchester City were to secure Wirtz, it could prompt other clubs to reassess their strategies, further intensifying the competition for young talent in the transfer market.

However, signing Wirtz will not be straightforward. As mentioned earlier, City will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of which possess the financial power and prestige to attract top players. Moreover, Bayer Leverkusen will likely be reluctant to part with their star player, especially given his exceptional form this season.

To secure Wirtz, Manchester City will likely need to offer a considerable financial package, including a significant transfer fee and potentially lucrative wages to attract him. Additionally, the club will need to convince Wirtz that Manchester City represents the best environment for his development and that he will play a pivotal role in Guardiola’s plans.

The departure of Kevin De Bruyne is a major moment in Manchester City’s history, but the club seems well-prepared for life after the Belgian star. With Florian Wirtz emerging as a potential replacement, City could continue their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Signing Wirtz would not only fill the gap left by De Bruyne’s exit but also send shockwaves through Europe, reaffirming Manchester City’s commitment to success and their ability to attract the world’s best young talent.

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 promises to be one of the most fiercely contested transfer sagas of the year, and it could ultimately determine whether City can maintain their relentless pursuit of glory in the post-De Bruyne era.