How Do You Replace One of the Greatest Midfielders in Premier League History?
That is the daunting challenge now facing Manchester City, as Kevin De Bruyne prepares to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current season after a decade of remarkable service. The Belgian playmaker has been a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s dominant City team, shaping English football’s modern era, and will depart as one of the Premier League’s most transformative figures.
Injuries have limited De Bruyne’s impact in recent years, but his legacy—marked by pinpoint distribution, thunderous long-range strikes, and effortless dribbles—will be hard to replicate. However, City’s recruitment team faces the task of finding a successor. While finding a like-for-like replacement may be impossible, several elite midfield talents across Europe could step into his shoes.
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz is already a superstar at just 21 years old. The attacking midfielder has been pivotal for Bayer Leverkusen, amassing nearly 200 appearances despite an early ACL injury setback. Wirtz’s form was crucial to Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten double last season, registering 18 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. His ability to create space, combined with relentless productivity, makes him one of Europe’s top talents.
Though Wirtz’s £100m+ price tag might be a barrier, he has the qualities to follow in De Bruyne’s footsteps. Both share excellent distribution, agility, and a knack for scoring, and while their playing styles differ, Wirtz could continue the legacy left by the Belgian maestro.
Xavi Simons
Another exciting Bundesliga talent is Xavi Simons, the Dutch playmaker who made a permanent move to RB Leipzig after impressing at PSG. The 21-year-old has been integral to Leipzig’s attack, contributing 23 goals last season, and continues to attract attention from top clubs. City should seriously consider Simons as a potential heir to De Bruyne, given his flair, technical ability, and versatility.
Simons has a natural grace on the ball, drifting across the pitch much like De Bruyne, evading challenges with quick feet and subtle changes in direction. His price tag is considerably more affordable at around £60m, making him a potential bargain compared to Wirtz.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has been a revelation since joining Aston Villa, exceeding expectations in his first full season. Under Unai Emery’s guidance, the 22-year-old has made his England debut and accumulated over 20 goal contributions. City had previously recognized Rogers’ potential during his time at the club, but he failed to make an impact before moving on.
While Rogers isn’t a direct De Bruyne replacement, his technical ability and versatility make him a potential future star. He has the work ethic and skill to thrive under Guardiola’s system and could develop into a key figure in City’s midfield.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White has enjoyed an exceptional season with Nottingham Forest, playing a crucial role in their push for Champions League qualification. While he may not boast the same flashy statistics as some others, Gibbs-White’s creativity and tactical intelligence make him a dangerous presence in the attacking midfield role. His vision, exemplified in his assist to Callum Hudson-Odoi during Forest’s recent victory over City, mirrors De Bruyne’s incisive passing.
Gibbs-White’s ability to operate as both a creative force and a more defensive presence adds valuable versatility to his profile. He’s one of the candidates reportedly under consideration by City to replace De Bruyne, with the potential to flourish under Guardiola’s tutelage.
Each of these players brings a unique set of skills to the table, and while they may not perfectly replicate De Bruyne’s all-around brilliance, they could help shape a new era for Manchester City’s midfield.
