If Kevin De Bruyne decides to part ways with Manchester City this summer, the club seemingly have a player on their minds who they could replace him with.
On Monday, it was reported that De Bruyne has been “impressed” by Al-Ittihad’s offer to sign him — amid his links to the Saudi Pro League.
However, it was also reported that Manchester City feel calm about their vice-captain’s future — especially considering he declared in July that he plans to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
The £54.5 million man remains one of the best players in the world, as exemplified by his impressive displays since returning from injury for City last season and some games at Euro 2024.
Report shares Man City targeting Eberechi Eze if Kevin De Bruyne exits
However, the Belgian’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2025 — meaning that the club and the player will have to decide his future as swiftly as possible.
At 33 years of age, unless the plan is for De Bruyne to sign a brand-new deal, the Sky Blues would be forced to consider his exit.
Despite the midfield maestro not being at his peak anymore, he remains an incredibly valuable player who the English giants can generate a sizable fee for in the final year of his contract.
As per a report by the Mirror, Manchester City are considering making a move for Eberechi Eze — as the club are believed to be “weighing up their options” as Al-Ittihad have offered a tempting contract to De Bruyne.
The Crystal Palace attacker is valued at £68 million — who has a release clause in his contract.
Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be interested in signing the Englishman — as they are looking to sign a player who can add more quality to their side between the lines.
But the report states that if Manchester City ramp up their interest, Spurs will have little to no chance of convincing Eze to join them over the Premier League winners.
It has been revealed that City appreciate the 26-year-old’s versatility and his “low-maintenance” attitude.
Man City should avoid Eze move amid De Bruyne exit links
As splendid a player as Eze is, Manchester City should look for other attacking midfielders if De Bruyne departs.
If City were to sign the England international, alongside Phil Foden, they would have two attacking midfielders who are more natural goalscorers than creators — with the latter providing a maximum of six assists in his Premier League career during the 2020/2021 season but scoring 11 and 10 league goals in his last two campaigns.
With De Bruyne arguably being the best creative midfielder the game has seen in decades, a midfielder more capable of carving out chances would perhaps be a better fit than Eze.
Furthermore, there are questions to be asked about whether the former Queens Park Rangers technician is capable of playing in a double pivot; an area of the pitch he will often have to occupy as Foden is City’s go-to number 10.
As a result, the rationale behind reportedly even targeting Eze in the first place seems slightly puzzling from Manchester City.
