Man City identify surprise candidate as £60m Kevin De Bruyne replacement

As the 2024/25 season begins to draw to a close, Manchester City are preparing for a significant transition in their midfield. One of the club’s most pivotal players, Kevin De Bruyne, has confirmed he will be leaving the Etihad at the end of his contract, marking the end of an era. De Bruyne’s almost decade-long reign as the club’s midfield maestro has been full of brilliance, but with his departure imminent, the question on everyone’s mind is who will replace him?

In the wake of this development, Manchester City have turned their attention to an unexpected candidate: Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison. The 28-year-old playmaker, who moved to Spurs from Leicester City in 2023, has been identified as a potential heir to De Bruyne. Reports suggest that City are willing to spend up to £60 million to bring Maddison to the Etihad, despite the fact that his name may not have been one that immediately came to mind for fans or pundits as a replacement for the Belgian.

At first glance, Maddison’s age and Premier League experience may raise some eyebrows, especially as many expected City to look at younger, continental talent with more resale potential. However, there is significant logic behind City’s interest. Maddison is in the prime of his career and is already highly experienced in the Premier League, making him a solid choice who can seamlessly slot into Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup without the need for a lengthy adaptation period.

Known for his creativity, set-piece expertise, and knack for scoring goals, Maddison possesses many of the qualities that made De Bruyne a central figure at Manchester City. His ability to operate between the lines, his footballing intelligence, and his comfort in tight spaces all make him a strong stylistic fit for Guardiola’s fluid and dynamic system. Comparisons to De Bruyne are, of course, ambitious, but Maddison shares many of the attributes that made De Bruyne such a vital asset to City over the years.

The possibility of Tottenham selling Maddison has raised eyebrows, especially given the investment Spurs made in him just a year ago. While he has faced some injury setbacks and has struggled with consistency in a struggling team, his performances have remained impressive. With 11 goals and 9 assists across all competitions this season, Maddison has shown he can deliver at the highest level, even amidst the turmoil at Tottenham.

Spurs’ current manager, Ange Postecoglou, has frequently supported Maddison, praising his abilities and leadership on the field. However, Tottenham’s overall direction might be changing. If they fail to secure a top-four finish and miss out on a Champions League spot, or if Postecoglou seeks to overhaul the squad to fit his tactical philosophy, Maddison could be one of the players who becomes available for sale.

Manchester City’s £60 million offer would be a significant sum for Tottenham to consider, especially if they see opportunities to reinvest the funds into their squad. Tottenham’s reluctance to sell key players to direct rivals could complicate negotiations, but if City presents the right offer, it would be hard for Spurs to turn down.

Maddison is not the only player City are looking at to replace De Bruyne, however. The club has also been closely monitoring young German star Florian Wirtz, who has been sensational for Bayer Leverkusen this season. The 21-year-old is considered one of the brightest talents in European football and is highly sought after by several top clubs. Wirtz’s playmaking ability, composure, and creativity could make him an ideal fit for City’s midfield, but his price tag and the competition from other European giants could complicate any potential deal.

In addition to Wirtz, City have also been linked with other attacking midfielders, including Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Xavi Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG. The club has even been rumored to be considering a return for Cole Palmer, who left City for Chelsea but has since emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League.

Replacing a player of De Bruyne’s caliber is never going to be easy. The Belgian has been integral to Guardiola’s tactical evolution at Manchester City, contributing not only with his technical brilliance but also with his leadership and ability to perform in crucial moments. His presence in the locker room and on the pitch has made him one of the most influential players of the Guardiola era.

While Maddison might not replicate De Bruyne’s overall influence, he does have the swagger, creativity, and mentality required to thrive in a team full of superstars. His self-confidence and ability to take responsibility on the field, much like Jack Grealish, another player who transitioned from a mid-table club to City’s star-studded lineup, could allow him to flourish under Guardiola’s guidance.

If City do decide to pursue Maddison, the tactical adjustments could be subtle but significant. Maddison could take up a slightly more advanced role, perhaps in a 4-2-3-1 formation or as a central figure in a rotating midfield trio. His range of passing, ability to shoot from distance, and composure on the half-turn would complement City’s attacking style and allow Guardiola to continue exploiting space and transitions effectively.

From a financial perspective, £60 million for Maddison could prove to be a bargain, especially when compared to some of the astronomical fees for continental players. His English nationality also makes him a relatively cost-effective option for a Premier League club, as he avoids the inflated transfer prices typically associated with foreign players.

Furthermore, with De Bruyne’s substantial wage packet leaving the club at the end of the season, City will have the financial flexibility to reinvest in their squad without facing a major financial burden. Maddison’s expected weekly salary of £200,000–£250,000 per week is also considerably lower than some of City’s top earners, making him a relatively affordable addition in the context of the club’s overall wage structure.

Despite the growing speculation, De Bruyne’s focus remains on ending his City career on a high. His performance in City’s dramatic 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace proved that, even at 33, he is still one of the best midfielders in the world. De Bruyne has also attracted interest from several top clubs, including those in Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Belgium, but for now, he is committed to finishing strong at Manchester City.

The reaction from City fans regarding Maddison has been mixed. Some supporters see the logic in targeting a proven Premier League talent who could contribute immediately, while others feel that the club should aim for more ambitious targets, such as Wirtz or Ødegaard, who might represent the next generation of superstars.

Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism among the City faithful. While Maddison may not be able to replicate De Bruyne’s impact in full, his creativity, technical ability, and leadership qualities could make him a valuable addition to a squad already brimming with talent. If Guardiola believes that Maddison can be the key to unlocking the next phase of City’s dominance, there’s little reason to doubt that he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

The coming months will be crucial as Manchester City prepare for the future without their talismanic midfielder. Whether James Maddison is the man to fill De Bruyne’s shoes is still uncertain, but he represents a compelling option for the club’s next chapter. The Premier League’s top clubs will be watching closely as City’s transfer plans begin to take shape.