Man City Target Atlanta Midfielder as De Bruyne’s Successor | OneFootball

Man City Eye De Ketelaere as De Bruyne’s Heir: Smart Move or Risky Gamble?

Manchester City are already preparing for life after Kevin De Bruyne, with TBR Football reporting that Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere is firmly on their radar. With De Bruyne’s departure to MLS seemingly imminent, City’s focus has turned to the Belgian playmaker, whose profile and career path bear striking similarities to the City legend.

City Plan for Life Without De Bruyne

Pep Guardiola’s side is entering a period of transition. Having already invested in Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez, the summer window looks set to bring further additions. As TBR Football‘s Graeme Bailey reports: ‘Manchester City are doing work on potential replacements for Kevin De Bruyne’, and De Ketelaere has emerged as a serious contender.

Photo: IMAGO

TBR Football confirms that De Bruyne is ‘out of contract at the end-of-the-season’ and favours a move to MLS, with San Diego leading the race for his signature. This amicable parting allows City to advance their recruitment strategy, with De Ketelaere now at the forefront.

De Ketelaere’s Journey Mirrors De Bruyne’s

De Ketelaere, like his compatriot, experienced a rollercoaster start to his career. After a promising rise at Club Brugge, his move to AC Milan faltered, reminiscent of De Bruyne’s struggles at Chelsea. Yet, he found his form at Atalanta, just as De Bruyne did at Wolfsburg before joining City.

Photo: IMAGO

De Ketelaere has impressed with 11 goals and 11 assists across 36 appearances this season. Goal.com compared him to Roberto Firmino, stating: ‘A naturally selfless player, De Ketelaere has taken to acting as a false nine… and is thriving.’

Is De Ketelaere the Right Fit for City?

At 24, the same age De Bruyne was when he arrived at City, De Ketelaere is hitting his stride. Club Brugge legend Gert Verheyen praised him as a ‘complete player’, and his versatility as a false nine could add a new dimension to City’s attack. Yet, questions linger. Can he handle the intensity of the Premier League? Will he adapt to Guardiola’s demanding system?

Our View – EPL Index

City fans are likely to be expectant but cautious about De Ketelaere. His potential is undeniable, but comparisons to De Bruyne set a high bar. The Belgian’s resurgence at Atalanta is encouraging, but his struggles at Milan remain a concern. Supporters may feel this signing carries risk but could also see it as a typical Guardiola masterstroke—developing a raw talent into a superstar. If he replicates his Atalanta form, City could have their next midfield linchpin. However, any drop in form will quickly raise questions about the club’s succession planning.