Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, news that has shaken European soccer. The Belgian midfielder, a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's team for nearly a decade, has decided to close his chapter at the Etihad. With Premier titles, national cups, and the Champions League, his departure represents the end of a glorious cycle for the English team.
De Bruyne's departure not only represents a significant sporting loss but also a symbolic change. City's rebuilding is already underway, and in this context, the coach has begun to make moves to find a reliable replacement.
Guardiola Drafts a List of 5 Players
According to 'El Nacional,' Guardiola has already drafted a list of five potential signings to replace De Bruyne. At the top of that list is the name Florian Wirtz. At just 21 years old, Wirtz amazes in the Bundesliga and is considered one of the most promising talents in world soccer.
However, signing him wouldn't be easy. Leverkusen, aware of their player's potential, has no intention of letting him go easily. His market price could exceed 150 million euros, a figure that, even for Manchester City, represents a complex operation.
The Two Less Media-Driven Options
If they can't secure Wirtz, City already has alternatives. Among them are the names Tijjani Reijnders and Xavi Simons. Both players are young, with potential and characteristics that could fit well with Manchester City's style, although without the media impact of Florian Wirtz or De Bruyne.
Reijnders has emerged in Europe both in Serie A and the last Euro for his balance and ability to organize the game. Meanwhile, Xavi Simons is one of the most promising players on the continent.
The Two Footballers Liked in Manchester
The most striking aspect of De Bruyne's replacement list, however, is that two of the names currently play for Barça and are Olmo and Pedri. Both are highly regarded by Guardiola, but it seems complicated for them to leave Barça.
Pedri is one of Barça's most prized gems, and Dani Olmo has just arrived, making a departure seem complicated.