It looked as if Manchester City were set on Florian Wirtz as Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement, but the German star looks most likely to make the switch to Liverpool instead.
Despite City’s long-standing interest in Wirtz, the finances involved have made the former Premier League champions quickly turn their attention elsewhere and they’ve seemingly found their replacement for De Bruyne.
After a decade at The Citizens, the Belgian is finally moving on – with Napoli looking likely to sign De Bruyne.
But if there’s one thing for sure, it’s that he leaves behind a tremendous legacy.
108 goals and a mouth-watering 177 assists in 422 appearances solidify De Bruyne as a City legend, so to say it’s big boots to fill would be an injustice. That said, City have seemingly found their man in an attempt to do just that.
Rayan Cherki eyed as Kevin De Bruyne replacement
At just 21, Rayan Cherki has incredible potential and Pep Guardiola looks like he wants to tap into that.
According to Fabrizio Romano, City have made contact with Cherki to start talks, with the intention of him playing in the ’10’ role.
Since his breakthrough into the Lyon team at just 16, there have been lots of whispers about the potential of Cherki, but the 24/25 campaign is where the youngster came into his own and really stamped his name on the big stage.
In Lyon’s Europa League knockout tie against Manchester United, Cherki scored in both legs, dazzling throughout.
But the French midfielder will have to make the tough step up in the Champions League if he’s to nail down the number 10 position and continue De Bruyne’s legacy at City.
How Rayan Cherki compares to Kevin De Bruyne
If Manchester City’s past transfer business is anything to go by, then they seem to have a knack for getting the right player in.
They turned down deals for Harry Maguire, Fred and Harry Kane because of cost-related issues, instead signing Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland. But will Cherki be another case of City striking gold?
| Player: | League matches played (this season) | Goals | Assists | Big chances created | Expected goals | Expected assists |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 28 | 4 | 7 | 15 | 5.07 | 6.74 |
| Rayan Cherki | 30 | 8 | 11 | 22 | 5.01 | 11.73 |
If stats are anything to go by, then Cherki could fit in well in England.
He’s got the essential playmaking abilities of a 10, while also being a threat in front of goal. Both are useful qualities which would make him a dangerous asset for Guardiola’s men.
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