5 creative geniuses Man City can replace De Bruyne with

Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne announced yesterday that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Belgium international has been the playmaker in chief for the Cityzens in the past decade, helping the club to 19 trophies, hence, the task of replacing him would be a daunting one.

However, European football is blessed with a host of talents capable of filling the De Bruyne-shaped hole, albeit in varying degrees. Here are five of them:

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The 23-year-old Villarreal star is one of the most potent and consistent creators in world football today. This season he has created 16 big chances in 25 games, while generating an xA of 10.56. The current Premier League leader in that metric is Cole Palmer with 7.67xA.

He also has an eye for goal with six so far this season. Although he has expressed desire to play for Barcelona, the presence of Dani Olmo and Pedri makes it unlikely the Blaugrana would make a move for him.

The German star is one of the best footballers in the world as he is a top rated prospect for the future. Wirtz led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title with 11 goals and 11 assists.

He is matching that level and output this season, with nine goals and 10 assists so far. Operating primarily in the hole and half-spaces, he is an ideal replacement for KDB, as he is malleable.

However, the 21-year-old has a contract with Die Werkself until 2027 and according to Transfermarkt, he's valued at €140 million.

Cole Palmer could have been the perfect, inexpensive solution to Kevin De Bruyne’s exit, but Manchester City already exchanged him for €40 million, and it is unlikely Chelsea would be willing to part ways with their talisman.

Nico O'Reilly is emerging as another excellent attacking midfielder from the City youth system. He came on to provide two assists to help Pep Guardiola’s side advance to the FA Cup semi-final against Bournemouth.

Given the mistake they made with Palmer, the Cityzens could decide to promote from within, handing the reins to the 20-year-old Englishman.

The 25-year-old England international attacking midfielder is another name that has been linked with a potential move to Manchester City.

The former Wolves man has 14 goals contributions in 26 matches for Nottingham Forest this season, and is leading them to their first Champions League qualification since the 1980/81 season.

While the Brazil international is not an attacking midfielder, he is a possible marquee summer signing for the Cityzens that can take up some of the creative burden.

With Vinicius set to sign a new number contract, it is rumoured that Los Blancos would be willing to let Rodrygo leave. Manchester City have previously expressed interest, and could go all out for him in the summer, deciding to shift Foden to midfield.