Man City told to replace De Bruyne with Jamal Musiala after Saudi bombshell - expert

Gabby Agbonlahor has admitted Saudi target Kevin De Bruyne is "irreplaceable" for Man City - but urged them to bring "next best in class" Jamal Musiala to the club.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested moving to City would further Musiala's ambitions to win the Ballon d'Or.

Football Insider revealed the bombshell last week (26 October) that Saudi Arabian officials have sounded out Man City star De Bruyne about a potential move to the Middle East in 2024.

The five-time Premier League winner, who earns a reported wage of £400,000-a-week, is currently out of contract in June 2025.

Meanwhile, City have also had an interest in Bayern star Musiala, 20, as he navigates a contract negotiations in Bavaria.

Sources told Football Insider on Saturday (28 October) that the youngster will push for a January move if he doesn’t get regular game time in the next months - with Man City and Liverpool both keeping tabs on his situation.

The ex-Chelsea trainee is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in June 2026.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “De Bruyne is one player you can never replace.

“What he can do with a football is crazy.

“Look at them now, they’re not the same team. Haaland isn’t the same player because he’s not getting the service De Bruyne offers.

“He’s irreplaceable, but what you do is go out and get the next best in class.

“Musiala isn’t going to win a Ballon d’Or at Bayern, so he’ll be wanting to play under a manager like Pep and with a striker like Haaland and see what he can do.

“It wouldn’t surprise me to see City go out and get the next best - and that is Musiala.”

In other news, door opens for Man City to loan out midfield star.