Manchester City identify Bayern Munich superstar as Kevin De Bruyne replacement

Manchester City are targeting Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala as a long-term replacement for midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, who is currently sidelined until the new year after undergoing surgery for a recurring hamstring problem, is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2025, when the Belgium midfielder would be turning 35.

The 33-year-old has been at Manchester City since 2015, helping the Sky Blues to 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles and a maiden UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder became just the fifth player to record 100 Premier League assists last season, and shares the record for the most assists in a Premier League campaign with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

De Bruyne won the Premier League playmaker award for the third time last season, and was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021.

Manchester City have recently put new contract talks with the 33-year-old on hold as a result of the long-term hamstring injury sustained against Burnley on the opening weekend of the new campaign.

Etihad chiefs are also reportedly preparing for the eventual departure of the Manchester City legend, with The Secret Scout claiming that Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala has been identified as the Belgian’s long-term successor.

Manchester City will target the 20-year-old to replace De Bruyne, with Musiala directly involved in 32 goals for Bayern Munich across all competitions last season.

The German international scored 16 goals and registered 16 assists, as Thomas Tuchel’s side dramatically retained the Bundesliga title on the final day of the season.

Musiala, who is contracted at the Allianz Arena until 2026, played for England’s youth sides as a teenager, prior to committing senior international allegiance to the German national team.

Manchester City have successfully replaced major outgoings in the past, with Erling Haaland the eventual successor for Sergio Aguero, and Ruben Dias moving to the Etihad Stadium following Vincent Kompany’s departure.