Manchester City have taken a significant step toward preparing for life after Kevin De Bruyne by submitting a substantial bid for a young, highly talented midfielder. The Premier League champions have reportedly offered £92.5 million in an attempt to secure the services of Xavi Simons, a promising Dutch playmaker currently with RB Leipzig. With De Bruyne’s future at the Etihad Stadium uncertain, manager Pep Guardiola is actively seeking a suitable replacement to maintain the club’s high standards in the midfield.
De Bruyne, who has been a key figure in City’s success over the past decade, is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. At 33 years old, the Belgian maestro remains one of the most influential midfielders in football, having played a crucial role in City’s multiple domestic and European triumphs. However, his time at the club appears to be nearing its conclusion, with lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as potential destinations.
Several reports suggest that Saudi Arabian teams are prepared to offer De Bruyne an exceptionally lucrative contract, similar to those accepted by football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The Belgian was linked with a move to the Middle East last summer, but City managed to retain him for one more season. However, this time around, the club appears to be preparing for his departure rather than attempting to extend his stay.
Meanwhile, MLS clubs are also showing interest, with San Diego FC reportedly in talks with De Bruyne’s representatives. Tyler Heaps, the club’s sporting director, confirmed that discussions have taken place and emphasized the player’s strong connection to the region. According to Heaps, De Bruyne regularly visits San Diego for vacations, which could make the city an attractive destination for him. However, the midfielder’s substantial wages—reportedly around £400,000 per week—could prove to be a major obstacle for the American club. Heaps admitted that such salary expectations might be beyond their financial capabilities, making a move to Saudi Arabia more likely.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding De Bruyne’s future, Guardiola has wasted no time in identifying a long-term successor. Reports from Spain indicate that the City boss is determined to bring in Xavi Simons, a 20-year-old Dutch international known for his dribbling ability, vision, and versatility. Guardiola sees Simons as an ideal playmaker to fit into his possession-based system and believes the young midfielder has the potential to fill De Bruyne’s role effectively.
Manchester City’s offer of €110 million (£92.5 million) for Simons reflects their seriousness about securing the midfielder’s services. However, RB Leipzig has yet to respond to the bid. The German club has a history of nurturing young talent and selling players at premium prices, meaning City’s financial power could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the transfer.
Simons has made a name for himself in European football, having impressed at Paris Saint-Germain and PSV Eindhoven before moving to Leipzig. His performances have attracted interest from multiple top clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are also monitoring his situation. However, City’s financial strength and Guardiola’s influence could give them an advantage in securing his signature.
City’s pursuit of Simons underscores their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition as they prepare for De Bruyne’s departure. The Belgian’s departure will create a creative void in midfield, and Guardiola understands the importance of having a suitable successor ready before the next season begins. The club’s management is also aware that failing to replace De Bruyne effectively could impact their ambitions of continued success in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
If Leipzig accepts City’s bid, negotiations over personal terms would follow. Given City’s reputation and their ability to offer competitive wages, reaching an agreement with Simons is unlikely to be a problem. The Dutch midfielder would be expected to take up a key role in Guardiola’s midfield, linking up with established stars like Rodri, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva.
Ultimately, the decision now rests with RB Leipzig. Their response to City’s offer will determine whether Guardiola gets his preferred successor or if the club needs to explore alternative options. What remains clear is that City are focused on securing their future dominance and are willing to invest significantly to maintain their position at the top of European football.
