Report: Man City ‘Setting Their Sights’ on Dutch Midfielder as Kevin De Bruyne Replacement | OneFootball

Man City Eyeing Xavi Simons as Kevin De Bruyne’s Potential Successor

Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of excellence under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship is entering a pivotal phase as they look to the future. With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract winding down and no renewal in sight, City are reportedly setting their sights on Xavi Simons, a young sensation who could fill the big shoes left by the Belgian maestro.

Manchester City’s Transition Plans

The winds of change are swirling around the Etihad Stadium as Kevin De Bruyne’s illustrious tenure may be drawing to a close. According to a recent report from TeamTalk, the club has made Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons their top target to succeed De Bruyne. De Bruyne, known for his vision and unmatched playmaking abilities, has been instrumental in City’s domestic and European successes, tallying up six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory among other accolades during his time at the club.

Photo IMAGO

Xavi Simons: A Worthy Successor?

Simons, currently dazzling fans with his performances, has shown he possesses the skill and potential to step into De Bruyne’s role. Last season, the young midfielder not only showcased an impressive pass completion rate of 79.3% but also demonstrated his scoring capability with a promising expected goals (xG) metric. His technical abilities and understanding of the game have drawn comparisons with De Bruyne, setting him up as a formidable candidate for the role.

The Broader Transfer Landscape

The quest to secure Simons’ signature won’t be without competition. Heavyweights like Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in roping in the young star. This interest highlights the high regard in which Simons is held across Europe, indicating that City might face a stiff challenge in their bid to secure his services.

Future Prospects and City’s Dominance

Pep Guardiola’s City is not just stopping at Simons in their pursuit of maintaining their high standards. Reports suggest other young talents like Jamal Musiala and Eberechi Eze are also on City’s radar. These potential signings, alongside Simons, signal Manchester City’s intent to remain at the pinnacle of English football by continuously infusing fresh blood into their squad.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a fervent Manchester City supporter, the buzz around Xavi Simons potentially donning the sky blue of Manchester is electrifying. The thought of replacing a legend like Kevin De Bruyne might be daunting for some, but Simons appears to be a talent ripe for the challenge. His last season’s assist tally and passing accuracy are testaments to his ability to orchestrate play from the midfield, much like De Bruyne has been doing at City for years.

Seeing City proactively planning for life after De Bruyne is reassuring and speaks volumes about the club’s strategy to stay ahead of the curve. While the emotional toll of potentially watching De Bruyne leave is undeniable, the excitement surrounding Simons and other young prospects possibly joining the squad is a silver lining. It’s a transition that I, along with many other City fans, will watch with keen interest and high hopes.

In conclusion, Manchester City’s strategic foresight in targeting Xavi Simons as a key component of their future plans is a move that could potentially secure their dominance in the Premier League for years to come. As City fans, we have every reason to look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm as the club continues to build on its legacy of success.