Who could Manchester City sign instead of Florian Wirtz? | OneFootball

It is becoming clear that Manchester City will have to replace Kevin De Bruyne in the near future. The Manchester City legend is coming to the end of his illustrious City career. One player who has been named as a potential replacement for De Bruyne is Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. Wirtz fits the bill as a player who could fill De Bruyne’s shoes.

But a new report from Danny Rust and Dean Jones for GIVEMESPORT indicates that City are fearful that they may not be able to sign Wirtz this summer. If that proves to be the case who else could the world champions target for the De Bruyne role? Here are three players they could potentially look at instead of Wirtz.

Charles De Ketelaere

Versatile Atalanta attacker Charles De Ketelaere is one player City could look to sign if Wirtz is unattainable. The Belgian international is a versatile player who can play in a variety of roles upfront or as a number ten. That versatility alone could make him the ideal player to come into Pep Guardiola’s squad. Couple his versatility with his eye for goal, pace and technical ability, and you could see De Ketelaere being a player Manchester City could look to bring in during the summer transfer window. Charles De Ketelaere has scored 11 goals and added 11 assists in 38 appearances for Atalanta this season. He has primarily played up front or as a number 10 this season. His ability to play as a number 10 would be of interest to City, and that’s the position you’d expect him to play in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Harry Watkinson has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City do have an interest in signing Charles De Ketelaere next summer. He is a player who does look ready to make a step up after starring for Atalanta in recent seasons.

Alex Baena

Mark Brus has reported for CaughtOffside that Manchester City and Arsenal both have an interest in signing Villarreal’s versatile attacker Alex Baena. Furthermore, Brus reports that Saudi Pro League clubs could also move for Baena in the summer.

Alex Baena has impressed for Villarreal this season. Playing primarily on the left wing he has scored 6 and added 7 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions. But it is the technical ability of Baena that stands out when he plays. Although Baena primarily plays on the left wing, he does drift centrally, and that’s where his game does stand out. He is adept at playing a decisive through ball and his quality in possession does stand out. He is a typical Spanish player in this regard. His dribbling ability is good, although he isn’t a dynamic dribbler like Jeremy Doku or Savinho for example.

But Alex Baena looks to be a Pep Guardiola player. He is brilliant technically and does look to be a player for the future. Baena could potentially be a player that City could target if they can’t land Florian Wirtz.

Xavi Simons

The last player on the list for is RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons. Simons has impressed for RB Leipzig ever since he arrived at the club on loan from PSG. He completed a permanent move to RB Leipzig in January. Christian Falk has reported on X that Simons is contracted with the Bundesliga side until 2027. Furthermore, Falk adds that Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are monitoring Simons ahead of a potential move for the Dutch international in the summer.

Xavi Simons is yet another versatile attacker player. He can play anywhere in the final third and can also play as a number 10. In 20 appearances for RB Leipzig this season he has scored 6 goals and added 5 assists. As per transfermarket.com, he has struggled with an ankle injury at times this season.

When fit Xavi Simons is a quality player. He has an eye for goal and his eye for a pass does stand out when he plays. The Dutch international does look to be a player who could be a potential De Bruyne replacement for Manchester City. Of all three players listed here Simons may be the one who is the most ready to make the step up to a club of Manchester City’s stature.