The Anfield defeat to Liverpool was another tough game for Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City.
One of the club's all time greats has struggled with injuries for around 18 months and it was clear after the Liverpool game that he simply does not have the legs to compete against elite midfields.
Therefore, whether through a big money signing in the summer or by promoting from within, a succession plan should be one of City's top priorities.
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One option many City fans have clamoured to replace De Bruyne is 22-year-old academy graduate James McAtee. Despite appearing in 19 matches already this season, McAtee is yet to start a Premier League game for City.
Three of his six goals this season came against Salford in the FA Cup third round. Positionally, McAtee profiles similarly to De Bruyne, taking up space on the right-hand side of midfield, or as a number ten. He impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield United, where he helped the Blades into the Premier League in his first season and made 31 top flight appearances in his second.
As things stand, Guardiola doesn't seem to trust McAtee with filling De Bruyne's boots long-term and City could instead turn to the transfer market.
City might have another wonderkid on their in Claudio Echeverri. He was initially signed in January 2024 but was allowed to remain at River Plate for a season on loan. A more natural attacking midfielder then both Wirtz and McAtee, Echeverri shone at club and international level for Argentina's Under-20s. At just 19 he might not be the immediate De Bruyne replacement Guardiola is looking for, but he is certainly a player City fans can get excited about.
Away from the Etihad production line, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz has been one player heavily linked with City. Over the past couple of years, Wirtz has become a household name in the world of football, impressing in the Champions League and during Germany’s Euros campaign.
Wirtz can cover both the number eight and number ten positions. He’s creative but can also arrive late into the box to get on the end of chances, think 2020-21 İlkay Gündoğan. At just 21, Wirtz’s pedigree will mean he will cost upwards of £90million if he was to join City.
