Man City identify Champions League star as De Bruyne replacement

Manchester City face holders Real Madrid in a crucial Champions League play-off second leg on Wednesday evening. 

The Citizens were beaten 3-2 by the Spanish giants in the first leg at The Etihad last week, despite taking the lead in the latter stages.

Two late goals earned Real a 3-2 win in Manchester, leaving City with plenty to do if they are to progress to the last 16 of the competition.

Since then Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, boosting their chances of finishing in the top four and qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

While City are focussed on Wednesday’s huge game in Madrid, off the pitch it appears that those in charge of the club are planning for the future.

Key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is nearing the end of his contract with City, and it appears that the Premier League champions have identified a fellow Belgian as a potential replacement for the player.

De Ketelaere is of interest to Manchester City

As per TBR Football, Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere is one of a number of players of interest to City as they hunt for a replacement for De Bruyne.

The report claims that newly formed MLS side San Diego FC are leading the race to sign De Bruyne when his contract expires this summer, and City are therefore on the hunt for potential replacements.

De Ketelaere, 23, joined Atalanta on loan from fellow Italian side AC Milan in 2023, before making the move permanent last summer.

He has now played 87 times for Atalanta across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and registering 22 assists.

This season the forward has registered a combined 22 goals and assists in 37 matches, and his impressive form has made him a player of real interest to City, according to the report.

The Belgium international can play as either a striker or an attacking midfielder, and is also capable of operating on either flank.