Man City outsmart Man united in battle for £60m ‘difference-maker’
Manchester City have officially begun the daunting task of finding a worthy successor to club legend Kevin De Bruyne. After a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Belgian maestro is set to call time on his incredible City career at the end of the 2024/25 season when his contract expires.
The 33-year-old midfielder has been a transformative figure under Pep Guardiola, and his recent standout performance against Crystal Palace only underscored just how much of a void he will leave behind. De Bruyne has not only been a creative force but also a leader and consistent match-winner, making the process of replacing him one of the most important challenges in City’s recent history.
In their search for a new midfield talisman, City have identified a number of potential candidates who could step into De Bruyne’s shoes. Among them, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has emerged as Guardiola’s preferred option. The 21-year-old German international has dazzled in the Bundesliga with his intelligence, flair, and playmaking ability—traits that mirror those of De Bruyne.
However, prising Wirtz away from Leverkusen will not be easy. His stellar form has significantly boosted his market value, and any potential deal is expected to cost an astronomical fee. That financial hurdle has prompted City to broaden their search and explore alternative targets across Europe.
One name now drawing serious interest from the Manchester giants is RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old Dutch sensation is considered one of the brightest young midfielders in European football and has already made a major impact in Germany. Simons joined Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January in a deal worth around £43 million, and he’s quickly established himself as a vital part of Marco Rose’s side.
Despite his recent arrival, there are already murmurs that Leipzig might be open to selling Simons this summer—albeit for a significant profit. Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, respected journalist Duncan Castles revealed that Manchester City are closely monitoring Simons as they prepare for life without De Bruyne.
“My guidance is that Manchester City have him on a potential recruitment list to replace Kevin De Bruyne – who announced last week that he would be leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract,” said Castles.
City aren’t the only Premier League heavyweight circling the Dutch midfielder. Manchester United are also said to be very keen on Simons, but financial limitations could prove to be a major stumbling block. With limited transfer funds and the need to qualify for the Champions League through a Europa League victory, United face an uphill battle in any potential bidding war.
Leipzig are expected to demand a hefty transfer fee if they are to consider letting Simons leave. According to GIVEMESPORT, the German club would want at least £60 million—well above what they initially paid. For a club like City, this fee is unlikely to be a deal-breaker, but competition from other top sides could complicate negotiations.
Liverpool have also entered the fray and are believed to be leading the race for Simons’ signature. Jurgen Klopp’s side are in the market for dynamic young talent, and Simons fits the profile perfectly. The Reds’ interest could push City to act quickly if they want to secure the Dutchman’s services ahead of their Premier League rivals.
While Simons is a very attractive option, many City fans are still holding out hope that the club will push hard to land Wirtz, who is widely seen as the ideal long-term replacement for De Bruyne. Regardless of which direction the club chooses, it’s clear that Guardiola and his recruitment team are preparing for a major transition in midfield—one that could shape the next era of success at the Etihad.
With the clock ticking on De Bruyne’s City career, the summer of 2025 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Manchester City’s midfield legacy.
