WanderlustSport

Manchester City require a substitute for Kevin de Bruyne, but who should it be? The figures indicate that these 10 playmakers are quite alike in their playing styles.  We examined FBRef for alternatives in Europe's top five leagues that share similar traits to De Bruyne. Specifically, being extremely imaginative and forward-thinking with their passing.  Several of these players have already been associated with City, so the statistics genuinely reflect the truth.  10. Florian Wirtz [Bayer Leverkusen] Last week, the term used for Wirtz was ‘ideal’; he’s youthful, he’s an exceptional player, he seems prepared to advance to the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola reportedly is a huge admirer. So substantial, in fact, that he is prepared to accept the £94m expenditure required to acquire the incredibly skilled German, who is on track for double digits in Bundesliga goal contributions for the second consecutive season.  9. Julian Brandt [Borussia Dortmund] More than ten yea...

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is 'deeply contemplating' one proposal following interest from Premier League teams Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea.  The Cherries defender has been outstanding for Andoni Iraola’s team this season, as Bournemouth sits ninth in the Premier League after falling out of the European spots in recent weeks.  Several players in Bournemouth’s team are drawing interest from clubs higher in the Premier League standings, with Huijsen specifically sought after by multiple teams.  Huijsen’s performances, which have earned him two caps for Spain this season, have caught the attention of clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle.  During a recent episode of the Market Madness podcast, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano provided insights regarding Huijsen’s future, stating: “Based on what I'm hearing, Arsenal is also showing interest.” Newcastle hopes for his arrival, but securing a deal with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsena...

Reports suggest that Manchester City standout Rodri has made a decision regarding his future after discovering that Real Madrid is pursuing him again.  Rodri enjoyed an amazing 2023-24 season, assisting Man City in securing the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive time, along with triumphs in the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The key central midfielder also assisted City in reaching the FA Cup final and the Champions League quarter-finals.  Rodri also succeeded on the international stage, playing a vital role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024, defeating England in the final.  Rodri has been absent since September due to an ACL tear sustained during the 2-2 match against Arsenal, yet he still claimed the Ballon d’Or over Brazilian star Vinicius Junior.  The 28-year-old has been closely associated with Real Madrid lately.  As reported by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Madrid president Florentino Perez has designated Rodri as the ideal replacement for Ton...

According to reports from Turkey, "Victor Osimhen will join Manchester United next season," and the Red Devils might aim to offload two players to gather the £63m required for his transfer.  Osimhen was strongly associated with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain last summer as he sought a way out of Napoli, but neither team could finalize a deal, leading the Nigeria international to instead sign a loan with Galatasaray.  His remarkable goalscoring feats have persisted in Turkey, as Osimhen has accumulated 29 goals and six assists in 34 matches in all competitions.  "Naturally, there are always rumors surrounding me." However, I choose to exist in the present. I am having a good time at the moment. "I am relishing my life here and the club," Osimhen stated last week.  “Hatipoglu, the vice-president of Galatasaray, replied that Osimhen’s statements do not indicate he will depart.” He expressed that Galatasaray will forever hold a special place in his heart...

Chelsea have been encouraged to pursue an ambitious transfer for Kevin De Bruyne amid speculation that the Man City player is interested in moving to MLS club Inter Miami.  De Bruyne, 33, will depart from Man City at the season's conclusion following a fruitful 10-year tenure at the club where he secured six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.  Speculation is spreading that the Belgian international is expected to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, although he recently stated, “I don’t know what will occur.”  There is also the implication that he might betray his current team by moving across the divide to join rivals Man Utd.  The City midfielder would become part of a stellar lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at the club owned by David Beckham.  He’s presently listed at 5/6 to join any MLS team, an outcome he questioned with remarks following a 5-2 victory over Crystal...

Real Madrid has come to an 'agreement' with Arsenal regarding the transfer of star center-back William Saliba after Florentino Perez spoke with Gunners officials on Wednesday.  The president of Real Madrid was grappling with his team's lackluster elimination by Arsenal in the Champions League, and a unique mistake from Saliba seemingly did not deter him from advocating for the acquisition of the French player.  It has been reported that Los Blancos are prioritizing Saliba this summer, with a story from the Spanish publication Defensa Central prior to the second leg at the Bernabeu stating that the Gunners were 'open to completing a swap deal with Real Madrid for Saliba' if the La Liga team 'incorporates two players in the agreement'.  According to the report:  Arsenal wishes to retain Saliba, but if the player declines to extend his contract and places the club in a difficult situation, aware of Real Madrid’s interest, the English side would be willing to ne...

Real Madrid has a ‘genuine and tactical’ interest in Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and will pursue the winger under one condition, as Florentino Perez prepares a ‘galactic’ £187m dual deal.  The president of Los Blancos was witnessing his team's lackluster elimination by Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, and a rare mistake from William Saliba seemingly did not deter him from pursuing the French player's acquisition.  It has been reported that Madrid have identified Saliba – valued at €100m (£84m) by the Gunners – as their primary target this summer, and a report on Friday stated that Perez has reached an ‘agreement’ with Arsenal's management, which will guarantee the La Liga club the right of first refusal if Arsenal chooses to sell Saliba before his contract ends.  According to the report:  Indeed, Florentino Pérez obtained from Arsenal a verbal agreement stating that if they ever choose to sell the French player (who is contracted until 2027), for whatever reas...

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano asserts that he has “verified” that Man Utd “intends” to permit two players to depart in the summer transfer window.  The Red Devils are enduring a dismal season, with Ruben Amorim’s team now assured of being the worst Manchester United squad in Premier League history.  Man Utd is presently in 14th place in the Premier League and has no chance of earning a European spot from their league standing, having secured only ten victories throughout the season.  However, they have an opportunity to compete in the Champions League next season if they succeed in winning the Europa League against Man Utd, as they face Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.  Once their outcome in that contest is determined, Man Utd can begin to prepare for the upcoming season with several players rumored to join Old Trafford, while others may depart.  Romano has disclosed that Manchester United has already reached a concl...

David Ornstein from The Athletic has mentioned two players that Liverpool intends to sign when the summer transfer window begins.  Arne Slot’s beginning as Reds manager couldn't have gone much better, as Liverpool is on track to claim their 20th English top-tier title.  Their 2-1 victory against West Ham on Sunday increased their advantage over second-placed Arsenal to 13 points, and it would require an extraordinary decline from Liverpool for the Gunners to re-enter the title race at this point.  Liverpool can now anticipate the summer and the players they will be signing following Mohamed Salah’s decision to extend his contract last week.  Virgil van Dijk is anticipated to join in the next few days, and Ornstein has disclosed a few names that might accompany the Liverpool captain and Salah at Anfield next season.  Ornstein informed NBC Sports on Sunday: “This summer is set to be extremely active with recruiting.”  “I believe they are considering Dean Hui...

Chelsea might supposedly 'pursue' Mathys Tel if Tottenham opts against securing him permanently this summer, and it's possible that Spurs could have no influence whatsoever.  Tel signed with Spurs on a six-month loan in January, with the north London club having the option to secure his transfer permanently for £45 million. His winter destination was uncertain after he initially declined Tottenham but ultimately agreed to the transfer.  Since that time, the forward has netted only two goals in 10 matches, but the management of the north London club reportedly acknowledges that he arrived during a challenging phase.  At the moment, it appears uncertain whether they will sign him, and as per GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea is prepared to step in if they don't.  It is said they ‘might pursue’ Tel if he departs Tottenham, as their enduring interest continues following early discussions for the Bayern Munich striker.  Chelsea view Tel as a suitable player for Stamford Bridge, a...

Man City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has announced that he will depart from the Etihad Stadium at the conclusion of the season in an emotional message.  In the past year, there have been speculations that the Belgium international might be transferring to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, or another overseas league.  His choice has likely been influenced by the Citizens' displays this season, as the reigning Premier League champions sit in fifth place in the standings.  Man City has just one opportunity to win the FA Cup before the season concludes, further enhancing De Bruyne's remarkable collection of trophies in Manchester.  De Bruyne has netted 106 goals in 413 games across all competitions, with the Belgian securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and one Champions League during his tenure at the Etihad.  On Friday, De Bruyne made a statement on social media announcing his departure from the club, noting that it was the right “time...

According to reports, Man Utd is preparing for a historic transfer offer from Real Madrid for Bruno Fernandes during the summer transfer window.  The Red Devils are enduring a difficult season, with Ruben Amorim’s team sitting in 13th place on the Premier League table after 29 games.  Man Utd appointed Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag in November, yet results and performances have declined under the Portuguese manager.  Amorim is facing challenges in getting his Man Utd team to adjust to his style of play, philosophy, and tactics – yet one player who has risen to the occasion is Fernandes.  Fernandes has made a remarkable impact with 16 goals and 14 assists in 44 matches across all competitions this season, despite the team's difficulties.  This has caught the eye of La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid, with the Daily Star reporting that Man Utd is ‘prepared for a record transfer offer’ from Los Blancos during the summer transfer window.  Real Madrid are poised t...

Reports suggest that Real Madrid have once again focused on Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori in anticipation of the summer transfer window.  The Gunners invested £42m in Calafiori last summer when the Italy international joined from Serie A club Bologna, which is having another successful season in the Italian premier league.  Calafiori’s season hasn’t unfolded as he expected, as injuries have hindered his advancement in Mikel Arteta’s squad, with the 22-year-old making just 11 Premier League appearances this season.  The Arsenal defender has been performing well lately, although he sustained another injury while on international duty with Italy last week.  The Spanish site Fichajes claims that Real Madrid has ‘reactivated the option’ to acquire Arsenal defender Calafiori after previously contemplating his recruitment.  While the Spanish club ‘searches the market’ for defensive upgrades, ‘one of the names that is rising in popularity again’ is Calafiori, as t...

European titleholders Real Madrid have included Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in their pool of centre-back prospects, as per reports from Spain.  Acquiring a new central defender appears to be Real Madrid's main focus this summer.  In recent weeks, they have been closely associated with Arsenal's William Saliba, who has a contract with the Emirates until 2027.  Carlo Ancelotti presently possesses several top-tier choices at centre-back, but many have dealt with different injuries throughout the past two and a half seasons.  Eder Militao and David Alaba's long-term injuries have prompted Aurelien Tchouameni to partner with Antonio Rudiger, whereas 22-year-old Raul Asencio has been a key player this season.  Although Asencio delivered several strong performances in his 37 games, Real Madrid is expected to invest heavily in a new centre-back during the summer transfer window.  Saliba is often cited as the main target for Los Blancos, but they might also c...

Manchester City is said to be keen on acquiring one of Aston Villa's top prospects this summer as they continue their rebuilding efforts.  The new chapter at City has already started with Pep Guardiola’s four new signings in the January transfer window along with a new contract for Erling Haaland earlier this season.  Omar Marmoush, Victor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov all arrived during the winter transfer window to strengthen their veteran team.  Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne will both have their contracts expire in the summer, while John Stones has just been sidelined for a lengthy time, raising doubts about key players.  With Villa already having several thrilling prospects, such as ex-City academy player Morgan Rogers, Guardiola’s team is rumored to be interested in signing another young English star, Jacob Ramsey.  As per a recent report from TBR Football, Guardiola seeks to acquire the adaptable star for the Etihad Stadium this summer, ...

Reports indicate that Manchester City have devised a strategy to find a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is anticipated to exit the Premier League champions this summer.  De Bruyne's long-term prospects are uncertain since he ranks among the 20 top footballers who might become free agents in 2025.  The Belgian international ranks among the top midfielders in Premier League history, yet injuries in recent years have affected him, causing him to drop in the hierarchy at the Etihad.  The 33-year-old has started just 12 Premier League matches for Man City this season, and he seems more likely to depart with interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS.  Ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown believes De Bruyne is eager to ‘leave’ Man City as he ‘desires’ a transfer to the MLS.  Brown informed Football Insider: “Man City believes they have an excess of older players.  "De Bruyne is among them, and they are now ready to allow him to depart when his contract e...