Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career is coming to an end.
Man City fans said goodbye to De Bruyne on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium after 10 years of incredible service to the Manchester club, where he won every trophy possible.
De Bruyne is now expected to join the Chicago Fire in MLS, and for City, the search for his replacement is well underway.
Man City have pulled out of the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who was the Citizens’ top target for the summer, which has now left Pep Guardiola looking at his alternatives.
Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on a Premier League star ready to leave his current club, and although he isn’t a target for Man City, the Manchester club should be considering a move.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Joao Pedro is ready to leave Brighton
Romano has reported that Joao Pedro is now seriously considering leaving Brighton this summer, with the Brazilian being valued around the £59m mark.
More Man City News
“Joao Pedro is seriously considering leaving Brighton during the summer transfer window,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “There is a strong possibility of seeing the player leaving.
“The player is now open to a new opportunity, and there are several clubs looking for that kind of player. An attacking player with quality, with the ability to link up with the rest of his teammates, so there is concrete interest in Joao Pedro.
“Let’s see what happens with Brighton, we know how hard it is to negotiate with Brighton, especially when it is about important players.
“For João Pedro, let’s see what the price tag is going to be. We can imagine something around €70m (£59m), but again, this is going to be up to the club.”
Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs showing interest in the forward, which is a good indication that the Brighton star has something about him, given the Reds’ recent transfer success.
Man City are interested in Morgan Gibbs-White and are keen on making a move for the Nottingham Forest star, however, Pedro would be a better option, as the Brazilian is just as versatile, but can play in the forward line.
Man City should consider a move for Joao Pedro
It is no secret that Guardiola is a fan of versatile players, and Pedro is exactly this, as the Brazilian can replace Kevin De Bruyne in the number ten role, while also providing support for Erling Haaland as a number nine.
The 23-year-old is also young and has plenty of room to develop, which means Man City would be getting value for their £59m.
Player Games Goals Assists Minutes
Joao Pedro 30 10 7 2136
Morgan Gibbs-White 37 7 10 3052
Kevin De Bruyne 39 6 8 2386
City have many other areas they need to address this summer, therefore, it is uncertain if Pedro’s £59m price tag would be a problem, although the Manchester club may need to spend £100m for Gibbs-White.
The Brazilian has so many things going for him that fit into what Man City and Guardiola are trying to do, and it seems silly that the Manchester club are not in the race for the 23-year-old.