Pep Guardiola could have the chance to find his next version of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City this summer by signing reported transfer target Florian Wirtz.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Manchester club are interested in signing the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.
While the Citizens have seen two of their most senior players make moves away from the club this summer in the shape of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, they now only have two outfield players in their ranks over the age of 30.
One of those players is De Bruyne, who has just under two years left on his contract. Therefore, if the club want to find a suitable replacement for the Belgian, we feel that securing a deal for Wirtz could be the best way for them to get hold of someone that could be a future heir for the 32-year-old.
Wirtz could be City’s next De Bruyne
With 103 senior appearances for Leverkusen to his name, the 20-year-old has scored 23 goals and delivered 30 assists.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
This, in addition to the fact that he’s currently making a name for himself in the Bundesliga, which is where City brought De Bruyne in from back in 2015, shows how effective he can be in front of goal when it comes to setting up goals for his teammates and scoring them himself.
In 357 appearances for City, the 32-year-old has scored 96 goals and delivered 153 assists, which showcases how much of an impact De Bruyne has had in the team since his arrival.
Described as an “outstanding technician” by Hansi Flick and someone who “loves to play, very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick,” it’s easy to see why City have been linked with a move for the youngster.
Bearing in mind how De Bruyne ended the previous Premier League campaign as the most creative player in the division with the highest rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (6.55) and more goal-creating actions (31) than any other player in the league, it’s safe to say that Wirtz would have some big shoes to fill should he end up at the Etihad Stadium in the near future.