Manchester City Set To Step Up Efforts For Kevin de Bruyne’s Replacement: How Will He Help Pep Guardiola’s Side? | OneFootball

Manchester City have a big void to fill in the summer transfer window. Kevin de Bruyne, who has been one of the best midfielders in the world and an integral part of the success of the City side in the trophy-laden years, has announced that he is set to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires. His departure will leave a significant void in the midfield for City, and they have already started looking for attacking midfielders to replace him.

Manchester City are set to step up efforts for Morgan Gibbs-White

Reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported on X that Manchester City consider Morgan Gibbs-White as their number one target and want to make a move for him in the upcoming weeks. City will have no issue agreeing to personal terms with the player, but Nottingham Forest still want to retain him.

Nottingham are expected to be playing in the Champions League, and they would want to retain one of their most important players in the squad. Talking about his stats, Morgan Gibbs White has scored five goals in 30 matches so far in the Premier League 2024/2025 season. Overall, his goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.18. Moreover, the Nottingham Forest star’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 12 for this season. His goal involvement equates to 0.44 per 90 minutes, and his non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.25.

How will he help City?

Signing Morgan Gibbs-White could be a smart move for Manchester City as they look to plan for life beyond Kevin De Bruyne. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has shown real promise this season, with five goals and seven assists in the Premier League. His energy, creativity, and ability to spark counter-attacks make him a natural fit for Pep Guardiola’s dynamic system.

While he is not a like-for-like replacement for De Bruyne, Gibbs-White brings his own strengths—versatility, physicality, and a sharp footballing brain—that could help reshape and refresh City’s midfield. Add in his leadership qualities and homegrown status, and he checks a lot of boxes for both immediate impact and long-term squad balance.