Much hype has surrounded the rumored transfer of Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window.
De Bruyne, who is currently at VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, is understood to want a move away from the Volkswagen Arena, despite the success the German club enjoyed in the 2014-15 season. De Bruyne and Wolfsburg tasted success in the DFB-Pokal, when they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the final.
The German outfit also finished second only to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. De Bruyne in particular enjoyed a great season with Wolfsburg. The Belgian International appeared 51 times in all competitions, scoring 16 times and assisting 27; 21 league assists saw him set a new Bundesliga record for most assists in a single season. Statistics do speak for themselves and rightfully so.
De Bruyne has earned plaudits from all across Europe with many of the big teams showing their interest in the former Genk star’s signature. Manuel Pellegrini in particular is said to be eyeing De Bruyne, with the Sky Blues rumoured to be preparing a £40 million bid for the Belgian’s services.
De Bruyne himself would be keen to move to one of Europe’s elite clubs in the coming season, although Wolfsburg itself will be competing in the Champions League. The Wolves will of course be eager to retain his services and have supposedly even offered him a bumper deal to extend his stay in Germany.
With all the hype surrounding the 23-year-old, we look at some of the reasons why clubs are willing to splash the cash if it means De Bruyne will be playing for them next season.
For starters, he was named the Bundesliga young player of the year in his first stint in Germany with Werder Bremen in the 2012-13 season, on loan from Chelsea. To follow that, he was also named in last season’s Bundesliga and Europa League teams of the season.
De Bruyne has shown he possesses the skills to be playing alongside some of Europe’s best. On a number of occasions he has displayed the unique ability to not only create goals but also score from midfield, making him one of Europe’s finest attacking midfielders. His ability to play almost anywhere in midfield also strengthens his case. De Bruyne has also represented Belgium at senior level 30 times, scoring seven goals in the process.
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Manchester City is rumored to be set for an exodus this transfer window, with many City regulars likely to be replaced with younger talent. Names such as Jesus Navas, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic are all likely to see the exit door. James Milner has already confirmed his departure by signing for Liverpool, while Frank Lampard will finally join New York City. With imminent transfers coming in, De Bruyne is understood to be atop that list.
His ability to play on the wings, a position in which he actually started his professional career, makes a transfer to City all the more likely. With Milner already gone and Samir Nasri’s injury concerns, it would not be a shock to see De Bruyne slot into City’s midfield immediately. The sheer thought of an attacking trio of David Silva, Sergio Aguero and De Bruyne would send shivers down any defence’s spine.
With a value of around £40 million, a lot will be expected of the youngster if his transfer to City goes through. While his spell at Chelsea was unsuccessful, he will be keen to grab his second chance in English football with both hands. Eager to impress, backed up with the ability to do so, De Bruyne can be a great addition not only to City’s squad but also to the Premier League.
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