Man City have submitted a bid of £90 million or more to acquire an “exceptional” star to replace De Bruyne

Manchester City have officially made a substantial bid of £92.5 million for an “exceptional” young midfielder as they prepare for life after Kevin De Bruyne. With uncertainty surrounding the Belgian playmaker’s future, Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in identifying a long-term successor capable of filling the void left by one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielders.

De Bruyne, who has been at the heart of City’s dominance over the past decade, is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. The 33-year-old has been instrumental in City’s multiple Premier League triumphs, guiding them to historic domestic and European success. However, his future now lies elsewhere, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) circling for his signature.

Reports indicate that Saudi clubs are prepared to offer De Bruyne a lucrative deal similar to those accepted by other European greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The Belgian was linked with a move to the Middle East last summer, but City managed to hold onto him for one more season. This time, however, they seem to be preparing for his inevitable departure.

MLS is also emerging as a potential destination for De Bruyne. San Diego FC, the league’s newest franchise, has reportedly held discussions with his representatives. Tyler Heaps, the club’s sporting director, confirmed in an interview with The Sun that talks have taken place. “I conversed with the agent. He is an exceptional football player who has a deep affection for this region,” Heaps revealed. “Every year, he takes a vacation here.”

Despite their strong interest, financial constraints may prevent San Diego FC from securing the deal. De Bruyne currently earns £400,000 per week at City, a salary that would be a significant obstacle for the MLS club. Heaps admitted, “I’ll tell you what, those wages are not currently within our budget in terms of his expectations.” This financial hurdle could push De Bruyne closer to a Saudi move, where money is less of a concern.

With De Bruyne’s future uncertain, Manchester City are already working on securing a suitable replacement. According to reports from Spain, Pep Guardiola has instructed the club to go all out for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who has been identified as a prime candidate to take over the playmaker role.

The Premier League champions have tabled a €110 million (£92.5m) offer for the Dutch international, hoping to lure him away from Leipzig this summer. The German club is yet to respond to the bid, but it is understood that Guardiola is adamant about signing Simons, believing the 20-year-old has the talent to play a central role in City’s midfield for years to come.

Simons has been a revelation in European football, having impressed at both Paris Saint-Germain and PSV Eindhoven before securing a move to Leipzig. Known for his dribbling ability, vision, and versatility, the Dutchman has drawn comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the game. Guardiola sees him as a perfect fit for City’s intricate, possession-based style.

Although Leipzig is reluctant to lose Simons, City’s financial power could prove decisive. The German club is known for developing young talents before selling them at premium prices, and a bid of over £90 million could be too tempting to refuse.

City’s aggressive move for Simons suggests they are unwilling to take any risks in replacing De Bruyne. The Belgian’s departure will leave a creative void in the squad, and Guardiola knows that a suitable successor must be brought in before the next campaign begins.

The club’s hierarchy is also aware that failing to replace De Bruyne adequately could affect their ambitions of continued dominance in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Guardiola’s system heavily relies on a playmaker who can dictate the tempo and create chances from deep, making Simons an ideal candidate.

While City’s bid is substantial, they are not the only club interested in Simons. Reports suggest that several top European teams, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich, are also monitoring his situation. However, City’s financial muscle and Guardiola’s influence could give them the upper hand in the transfer battle.

Simons’ potential arrival at the Etihad Stadium would mark another statement signing for City, who have consistently strengthened their squad with top-tier talents. His signing would also align with Guardiola’s strategy of rejuvenating his squad with young, technically gifted players who can seamlessly integrate into his tactical framework.

If Leipzig accepts City’s offer, negotiations over personal terms would be the next step. Given City’s reputation and their ability to offer competitive wages, agreeing on a contract with Simons is unlikely to be an issue. The Dutchman would be expected to take up a key role in the midfield, working alongside the likes of Rodri, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva.

For now, the ball is in Leipzig’s court. Their response to City’s bid will determine whether Guardiola gets his preferred successor for De Bruyne or if the Premier League champions will need to look elsewhere. One thing is certain: City are planning for the future, and they are willing to invest heavily to maintain their dominance.