Should Man City Let Kevin De Bruyne Leave At The End Of The Season?

Manchester City are better at replacing key figures than most clubs. The Etihad Stadium has seamlessly moved on from the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany over the years while staying competitive at the top of English and European soccer.

They’ve done it this season too, allowing Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez to leave during the summer transfer window. Still, however, City are arguably the strongest team in this season’s Premier
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League and Champions League. Most expect them to pick up at least one major trophy this term.

The departure of another key figure could be on the horizon with Kevin de Bruyne reportedly interesting numerous Saudi Arabian clubs ready to offer the Belgian midfielder a large salary package. De Bruyne is under contract until the summer of 2025, but next summer could see him leave Manchester City early.

De Bruyne has already secured his status as one of the best midfielders of the Premier League era. He is one of the best passers and creative players of his generation and has arguably been the most important figure of the Pep Guardiola era at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has got the best out of De Bruyne.

At the age of 32, though, de Bruyne is now entering the twilight of his career. Injuries are happening more frequently with the midfielder currently sidelined until the end of the year. In his absence, Manchester City have proved they can cope. In fact, City have evolved with de Bruyne out of action.

Julian Alvarez has been one of the stars of City’s 2023/24 campaign. While the Argentine was an important squad figure last season, he has nailed down a place in Guardiola’s first team this term. Alvarez is playing a hybrid role – he is a second striker alongside Erling Haaland at times and a creative midfielder at other times.

City have yet to find their best form as a team this season, but Alvarez has given them a different option in the attacking third. The 23-year-old possesses an exceptional awareness of space and where to find it on a soccer pitch and Guardiola has given him the freedom to make the most of that instinct by drifting.

De Bruyne can still be a major contributor for Manchester City when he returns from injury in 2024, but Guardiola and the decision makers at the Etihad Stadium must devise a succession plan for the Belgian. Allowing to leave for Saudi Arabia at the end of the season might not be the worst idea.