Manchester City are set for a bittersweet end to the season as they bid farewell to Kevin De Bruyne, one of the finest players in the club’s history.
After months of speculation regarding De Bruyne’s future, Manchester City confirmed this week that the Belgian superstar will be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
De Bruyne has won a staggering 16 trophies since joining Man City from Wolfsburg in 2015, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Paul Merson has now delivered his verdict on De Bruyne, saying he’s “one of the only players” he’s seen that can do a particular thing on the pitch.
Paul Merson says Kevin De Bruyne is one of the few players who can combine passing accuracy with speed
Merson has described De Bruyne as an “absolute legend” and urged City to give him a “good farewell” – indeed, they “owe” him this.
The former Arsenal man also said De Bruyne is one of the only players he’s ever seen that can deliver a pinpoint pass whilst running at full speed.
“Kevin De Bruyne is an absolute legend,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda. “City owe him a good farewell.
“He’s one of the only players who I’ve watched that can thread a pass through a needle while running at full steam.
“Truly one of the all time greats of the Premier League, phenomenal footballer!”
Who Manchester City are being linked with to replace Kevin De Bruyne
Replacing a player of De Bruyne’s calibre won’t be easy.
However, Paul Dickov recently sought to reassure fans by saying City are “always thinking ahead” – and have a good track record in doing so.
Indeed, number of names are already being linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium to step into some very big shoes in the middle of the park.
For instance, Manchester City have approached Florian Wirtz as they view the Bayer Leverkusen star as a suitable successor.
Wirtz’s future at Leverkusen is uncertain as he could either extend his contract or make a move to either Manchester City or Bayern Munich.
Manchester City also admire Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, while Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere is also on Manchester City’s radar.
