‘Erling Haaland unhappy about Man City exit for Kevin De Bruyne’
Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season and Erling Haaland is thought to be disappointed about it.
The Belgian has been in Manchester since 2015, and departs as a club legend with six Premier League titles to his name, as well as a Champions League.
De Bruyne was celebrated by Man City at his final ever home game, with tributes flooding in from former and current teammates.
It has not yet been confirmed where the 33-year-old will be playing his football next season, but it is likely that he will continue his career in some form, with reports suggesting Napoli lead the race.
Haaland set to struggle without De Bruyne
Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022, Haaland has forged quite the partnership with his departing teammate.
De Bruyne has assisted the Norwegian striker 19 times in the Premier League alone, across the last three campaigns.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Special (25 May, 2.49pm), former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson argued that Haaland’s goalscoring capabilities will take a hit, saying: “I tell you who will be disappointed, Haaland.”
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison agreed, saying: “Oh, 100% next year,” with Merson adding: “You can take 10 goals off Haaland next season.”
Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood was then asked how Man City go about replacing De Bruyne, and replied saying: “I think it comes from the transfer market, I think they have to go and get someone.”
De Bruyne leaves massive hole
Football Insider Verdict
Despite the fact that De Bruyne has only started 19 Premier League games this season, his departure will hit Pep Guardiola’s side hard given his standing in the game.
There have already been moves to replace the veteran midfielder, with Man City set to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, for a reported £70million.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 27 | 4 | 7 |
However, City will not be purchasing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with Liverpool likely to bring the talented midfielder to Anfield instead.
Another option for Guardiola is to look within his already talented squad, and perhaps turn to Phil Foden to help fill the hole left by De Bruyne.
Foden has had a difficult season for the Citizens, but an increased sense of responsibility could be exactly what the 24-year-old needs to reignite his career.