Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's higher-ups had the unenviable task of replacing Kevin De Bruyne this summer. The Belgian legend departed the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, upon the expiration of his contract, and now plies his trade in Napoli, where he will be hoping to guide Antonio Conte’s side to back-to-back Scudettos.
Finding the right man to step into the shoes of De Bruyne was never going to be easy. Where on earth do you start looking when you want to replace his 108 goals and 177 assists for the club? Of course, he also vacated the now-iconic number 17 shirt, which is yet to be filled.
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne
Well, one player who won’t be donning that shirt is summer signing Rayan Cherki.
Why Cherki won’t take City’s number 17
Despite picking up an injury so soon into his City career, Cherki is one of the players people believed could fill the creative void left by De Bruyne. He has already made a strong start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
Cherki
In just six appearances in the Club World Cup and the Premier League, the France international has found the back of the net twice and assisted one goal.
His only strike in the English top-flight came against Wolves on his debut in the competition.
Despite only being a short way into his career in East Manchester, Cherki has already received high praise. BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan described him as a “genius footballer” following his goal at Molineux.
So, you might think all the signs point to Cherki taking the number 17 at City and looking to follow on from De Bruyne’s legacy. But it does seem unlikely, because at the start of the season, the Frenchman switched to the number ten shirt, vacated by Jack Grealish, who moved to Everton.
Man City
Given that Cherki has such an iconic number already, it would be a surprise to see him swap again and take De Bruyne’s old number. However, City have the perfect candidate in their squad.
Man City’s next number 17 in waiting
Over the last few seasons, City’s academy has produced some magnificent players. Some, like Cole Palmer, have now departed the club, whilst others, including Phil Foden, are still playing week in, week out at the Etihad Stadium.
Well, it is an academy graduate who could be City’s perfect option to take on the mantle of De Bruyne’s 17 shirt. Oscar Bobb has established himself as an important player under Guardiola and has impressed during his short professional career so far.
Oscar Bobb
Now 35 games into his career in East Manchester, the Norwegian international has already chipped in with three goals and four assists.
Arguably, his best goal in a City shirt was assisted by De Bruyne, with the Belgian teeing him up with a pass over the Newcastle United defence last year, with the youngster showing great composure to finish.
In recent years, it has not been a surprise to hear a City player be described as “magical”. That is exactly what content creator Steven McInerney said about him at the start of the season, when he assisted Tijjani Reijnders away to Wolves.
It is more than just a great promise shown by Bobb. He has the talent to pick up the creative gauntlet thrown down by De Bruyne. Although it is a small sample size, his numbers are sensational, with the standout being that he created 3.4 chances per 90 minutes back in 2024/25.
Bobb's City record (all comps)
Stat (per 90)
Games played
Key passes
Pass accuracy
Dribbles completed
Stats from Sofascore
There is no doubting Bobb’s talent, and the fact that Guardiola rates and trusts him so much is clear to see. The 22-year-old has averaged 85 minutes per game this season.
He could be the player in waiting to take De Bruyne’s number 17 shirt and continue his legacy.
Bobb
The Norway international is just 22 years of age, so he has years ahead of him to hit the same heights as the City legend. But, as far as talent goes, it seems like Bobb has it all and could become City’s next number 17.