Malouda names three De Bruyne replacements as Man City prepare for post-icon transition

Former France international Florent Malouda told Racing Tipster that Manchester City should consider Gibbs-White, Tielemans and Wirtz as De Bruyne successors — though Wirtz is reportedly focused on Bayern Munich, according to BILD.

10 May 2025 - 00.05

3 minutes

An empty piano bench at midfield marks the end of a conductor’s reign, not just a player’s farewell.

AI-generated image. Editorial use only.

Guardiola’s plan begins without De Bruyne

20px

De Bruyne’s departure closes a legendary chapter

Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on a historic era. Since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgian midfielder has made 418 appearances, scored 108 goals, and registered 177 assists. His time at City includes six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League trophy, won in 2023.

As the creative core of Pep Guardiola’s side, De Bruyne defined the tempo of games, broke defensive lines, and consistently delivered in decisive moments. His departure leaves a void in both technical and emotional leadership — a space City must now fill.

Malouda proposes Gibbs-White, Wirtz and Tielemans

In an interview with Racing Tipster, Florent Malouda — former France international and Premier League winner — named Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) as potential successors to De Bruyne in City’s midfield structure.

“Replacing Kevin is incredibly difficult,” Malouda said. “He wasn’t just technically gifted — he was the heartbeat of the team. Tielemans, with his Premier League experience and calmness in possession, offers the kind of balance City may need most.”

A half-open stadium door fades behind Wirtz, whose grip on Bayern's crest signals the choice already made. — AI-generated image. Editorial use only.

While Malouda praised all three for their creative potential, he singled out Tielemans as his personal choice, citing his familiarity with English football’s rhythm and tactical demands.

Wirtz’s future likely elsewhere

One of the names mentioned by Malouda — Florian Wirtz — is not expected to be a viable option for Manchester City. According to a 9 May 2025 report by BILD titled “Florian Wirtz will nur zum FC Bayern!”, the 22-year-old German international has reportedly reached a verbal understanding with Bayern Munich.

Although no formal deal has been announced between Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen, the report states that Wirtz has communicated his preference to join Bayern exclusively. Based on this development, Manchester City are not expected to pursue the player further.

A whiteboard half-erased becomes Guardiola’s canvas of reinvention, framed by the void De Bruyne leaves behind. — AI-generated image. Editorial use only.

Guardiola’s next evolution: Who leads the midfield now?

With De Bruyne’s departure now confirmed, City face a pivotal summer. Guardiola must not only find a new creative leader but also reimagine how his midfield operates without the Belgian’s unique blend of vision, range and control.

Morgan Gibbs-White brings flair and forward intent, while Youri Tielemans offers experience and composure — two very different profiles that reflect the challenge of replacing a generational talent. Guardiola’s final choice may reveal not just the next name on the teamsheet, but the next phase in Manchester City’s tactical evolution.