Report: Manchester City chasing £72m England playmaker to replace Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City’s summer plans have taken shape around the impending departure of Kevin De Bruyne, with Pep Guardiola’s side eyeing Crystal Palace’s England international Eberechi Eze as a primary target to fill the creative void at the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian maestro, after ten trophy-laden years, will leave at season’s end, prompting City to scout big-money replacements despite internal options like Phil Foden . Sources indicate that City are willing to meet a price in the region of €80 million (circa £72 million) for Eze, reflecting both Palace’s valuation and the club’s ambition to maintain its attacking edge . Financial considerations under Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations make such an investment significant, yet Guardiola’s commitment to youth and homegrown talent underpins this pursuit .

Kevin De Bruyne: Legacy and Departure

Kevin De Bruyne announced via his official social channels that he will depart Manchester City at the end of his contract this summer, capping off a decade that yielded six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and over 100 goals for the club . Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever, De Bruyne’s vision and passing have set benchmarks, and Guardiola himself has admitted that replacing his influence is “almost impossible” . His final contributions, including a pivotal performance in City’s 5–2 win over Crystal Palace, underscored the gap his exit will leave in the squad’s creative midfield .

De Bruyne’s departure also coincides with the aging of other City veterans—Ederson, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and John Stones are all over 30—further motivating Guardiola to refresh his squad with younger profiles capable of sustaining City’s high-intensity, possession-based style .

Manchester City’s Transfer Strategy under Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola’s transfer blueprint emphasizes versatility, youth and an English core, having previously integrated homegrown talents such as Stones, Walker and Jack Grealish . Despite this, De Bruyne’s calibre has driven City to consider high-profile signings to safeguard their title ambitions after Liverpool reclaimed the Premier League crown . City’s January outlay of £188 million on four players highlighted their willingness to invest heavily, and summer bids are expected to target key positions across midfield, defence and goalkeeping, ensuring squad depth for a treble-chasing campaign .

However, with City mindful of Profit and Sustainability Regulations, balancing wage bills and transfer fees will be crucial. Reports suggest potential departures for high earners like Ederson and Bernardo Silva after 2026 and exploring loan or sale avenues for certain senior players to fund new arrivals .

Eberechi Eze: Profile of the £72 Million Target

Eberechi Eze, 26, has emerged as one of England’s most dynamic attacking midfielders, blending dribbling, passing range and shooting to devastating effect for Crystal Palace . Born in London and a former QPR youth product, Eze joined Palace in 2020 and has since become integral, recording 5 goals and 8 assists in 31 Premier League appearances during the current season . His overall output extends to 13 goal contributions (goals plus assists), placing him among the league’s elite chance-creators in 2024–25 .

Eze’s contract at Selhurst Park runs until June 2027, and Palace initially included a release clause rumored at £60 million (later reported at £68 million) in his deal, though the clause expired, giving Palace greater leverage in fee negotiations . Transfermarkt currently values him at €55 million, but Palace’s willingness to negotiate at around €80 million reflects his proven consistency and international potential, with 10 England caps and growing interest from other top clubs .

Financial Implications and Valuation

City’s reported valuation of €80 million (approx. £72 million) for Eze represents one of the club’s priciest summer pursuits outside of marquee names like Florian Wirtz, who is valued above €100 million . Such an outlay underscores City’s intent to promptly replace De Bruyne’s creative output, even if it stretches the club’s transfer record. With Fichajes specifying the initial asking price and Transfermarkt providing an independent valuation, stakeholders acknowledge Eze’s rising market worth .

Balancing this fee with the potential sale or loan of senior squad members will be integral; City’s January spending forced budgetary scrutiny, and their summer activity is expected to be carefully phased to comply with PSR thresholds without hindering squad quality .

Competition and Alternative Targets

While Eze tops City’s midfield wish list, Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest is also under consideration, offering athleticism and versatility along with homegrown status, which appeals to Guardiola’s “English core” philosophy . Reports from Fabrizio Romano on X indicate City will advance their pursuit of Gibbs-White imminently, though Forest’s £100 million valuation complicates negotiations .

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz remains of interest; City reportedly view him as a premium alternative despite his reluctance to leave Germany. A bidding war with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich looms, with Wirtz carrying a price-tag north of €100 million . City’s recruitment team must weigh the relative affordability and playing styles of Eze, Gibbs-White and Wirtz to mold a midfield unit capable of replicating De Bruyne’s multifaceted role .

Comparative Analysis: Eze vs. De Bruyne

De Bruyne’s hallmark has been his unparalleled vision and precise long-range passing, averaging 3 key passes per game in recent seasons. By contrast, Eze’s 2.07 key passes per match and 82.5% pass completion highlight his creative instincts within Palace’s more direct, counter-attacking setup . While De Bruyne often orchestrated play from central zones, Eze’s versatility allows him to drift wide or occupy central pockets, affording Guardiola tactical flexibility .

Statistically, De Bruyne recorded 10 goals and 18 assists in 2023–24, whereas Eze’s current season tally stands at 5 goals and 8 assists from 31 appearances. City must consider supplementing Eze with additional playmakers or pairing him with an athletic box-to-box midfielder like Gibbs-White to emulate De Bruyne’s all-around contributions .

Fan and Expert Reactions

Palace supporters view Eze as the crown jewel of their squad, with Guardian pundits lauding him as a match-winner capable of steering Palace through any fixture at Wembley . City fans, meanwhile, debate on social platforms whether Eze can shoulder the creative burden at Champions League level, with some advocating for a dual-target approach involving both Eze and Gibbs-White to distribute responsibilities .

Analysts highlight the importance of integrating Eze within City’s possession-dominant structure; his press-resistant dribbling and positional intelligence suit Guardiola’s instructions, but adaptation to tighter central spaces and defensive transitions will be key to his success at the Etihad .

Outlook and Conclusion

As the summer window approaches, Manchester City’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze for around £72 million epitomizes Guardiola’s blend of ambition and pragmatism—investing heavily in top English talent to offset the exit of a generational talent . The potential capture of Eze, possibly alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, would reshape City’s midfield, blending flair, youth and tactical versatility. Financial prudence under PSR will necessitate judicious squad adjustments, yet City’s willingness to pursue such a high-profile deal underscores their determination to maintain domestic and European dominance in the post-De Bruyne era .

In the coming weeks, negotiations will intensify, and City’s final decision will reflect a strategic balance of cost, fit and squad dynamics. Should Eze don the sky blue, he will be entrusted with one of the Premier League’s heaviest creative legacies—a challenge befitting Manchester City’s status as the benchmark of modern football.