Paul Dickov Makes Bold Prediction About Kevin De Bruyne’s Replacement As Man City Eye Major Signing

Ex-Manchester City striker Paul Dickov says there is a chance that his former club will end up being a “better” team when Kevin De Bruyne leaves the Etihad this summer.

The Belgian will depart at the end of the season after spending 10 years with the Cityzens, but speaking exclusively to Man City News (courtesy of 10bet), Dickov said there is a precedent for manager Pep Guardiola bringing in successful replacements for legendary players:

“It started with Joe Hart at the very beginning and then Vincent Kompany when he left and people were asking ‘how are we going to replace him’? The big one was Fernandinho. People were saying they were never ever going to be able to replace him, then they go and get Rodri. David Silva was the same. Sergio Aguero, too. City’s recruitment and the way they went about their business has been stellar.”

“They’ve somehow managed to replace all these wonderful players that we thought we never could replace and somehow got better. So I’m pretty sure behind the scenes that the club’s been planning for this for quite a while. You’ve got to trust in Pep because all these big players that have left before, somehow Pep’s made signings and went on to make the team better and hopefully that’s the case.”

Who have City lined up to replace De Bruyne?

It looks as though Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is the player that the club have identified. Reports in recent days have suggested that the German’s family have met with officials in Manchester.

However, a deal is far from being finalised at this stage. Wirtz has yet to make up his mind on where he wants to play his football next season. Bayern Munich are expected to be City’s main rivals for the player’s signature.

Where could De Bruyne move to?

There has been some speculation that the 33-year-old could stay in the Premier League, with Liverpool and Aston Villa having both been mentioned as possible options for the midfielder.

A move to the United States does, though, appear to be the likeliest outcome currently. MLS side Chicago Fire are believed to have made contact with De Bruyne, and other teams are expected to follow suit.

It will be an emotional send-off for the player when he takes to the field for his final home game against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here