Manchester City reportedly believe that Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz could be the man to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a linchpin of the team for many years. The 21-year-old midfielder has shone for Leverkusen since he broke into the side as a teenager and was integral to the club winning their first Bundesliga title in a historic unbeaten campaign last season. His technical prowess, vision, and ability to score and assist have drawn attention from top clubs across Europe. While he had been tipped with a move to Real Madrid, now City believe the German can offer the same dynamism and creativity in midfield as their outgoing legendary playmaker, according to the Daily Mail.
Since the start of last season, Wirtz has registered an impressive 41 goal contributions in his 57 games, showcasing his evolution into one of the most exciting players in world football. His rapid rise to prominence is not surprising, given his remarkable talent and potential. It is little wonder that he has caught the eye of numerous elite clubs, with Manchester City recognizing him as a suitable replacement for De Bruyne. After all, the Belgian himself was once a standout player in Germany, where he fired Wolfsburg to the DFB Pokal and secured a second-place finish in the Bundesliga before making the switch to Manchester City.
De Bruyne’s impact at City has been monumental. He has made an astonishing 413 appearances for the club, scoring 106 goals and registering 174 assists. His contributions have helped City secure every major trophy available during his tenure, solidifying his status as a club legend.
In light of De Bruyne’s potential departure, head coach Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the difficulties of replacing such a unique player. When asked whether De Bruyne can ever be replaced, Guardiola offered a familiar sentiment: “There are things that cannot be substituted. To say goodbye to this type of player is so difficult. I’d love Vincent [Kompany] to be here eternally, Sergio [Aguero], too, and now Kevin.”
Guardiola continued, reflecting on the emotional connections that players like De Bruyne foster with the fans and the club: “To say goodbye to these connections, these relations, for the manager, the mates, the fans, is not easy. In England or in every country, there are players who are unique, that represent what the club wants to be and Kevin is one of them.”
He emphasized that while the departure of such a beloved player may be jarring for fans, they should always cherish the memories of watching him play. “Now it’s a bit of a shock for the fans, but people remember how blessed, how happy they were for many, many years to have a player who gave absolutely everything. Always Kevin will be there in my memory and he cannot be forgotten.”
As the summer transfer window approaches, it could be a period of significant change for both De Bruyne and Wirtz. The Belgian is expected to move out of Europe, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League and MLS fiercely competing for his signature. Meanwhile, Wirtz stands poised to be the target of a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, all eager to secure the services of a player who not only has the potential to be a star but could also carry on the legacy of players like De Bruyne. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the futures of both these talented individuals and their respective clubs.
World of sports 
Leave a comment