Former Manchester City manager Brian Horton has counselled that the club will feel the absence of 34-year-old midfielder Kevin De Bruyne next season, Softfootball can report.
However, he insists that Pep Guardiola’s evolving squad is trying to remain well-equipped to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal for Premier League honours.
De Bruyne, 34, ended his glittering 10-year spell at the Etihad this summer, having won 16 major trophies, including five league titles and the illustrious Champions League. His departure, alongside injuries to key figures like Rodri, John Stones, and Phil Foden, contributed to a difficult campaign that saw City finish third and miss out on silverware for the first time in nearly a decade.
Horton, while speaking to SportsBoom, remains optimistic about City’s future. These were his statements;
“Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in the world — a fantastic servant,”
he said.
“His passing, his goals, just sublime. But more than that, he was a top professional who looked after himself.”
Horton also acknowledged the challenge of replacing De Bruyne but backed Guardiola’s summer reinforcements so far, which include Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolves), and Rayan Cherki (Lyon). His remarks were as follows:
“The city’s recruitment in recent years has been outstanding. Look at how they replaced Fernandinho and Aguero, these aren’t just average players; they’re superstars.”
City won six of the last seven Premier League titles before surrendering their crown to Liverpool last season.
Horton then admitted that repeating historic feats like the 2023 Treble may be out of reach but believes Guardiola’s relentless drive will keep City competitive. These were his words:
“The Treble might not happen again, that’s why there’s frustration. But Pep is driven. They’ll come back strong. They’re too good not to.”
Softfootball had earlier reported that Manchester City are seeking to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the next season, especially after the Club World Cup in America, by extending the contract of youngster Rico Lewis.
Squad depth is always very important for any club, especially Manchester City, which lost a player like Kevin De Bruyne and aims to be successful. Softfootball can confirm that Pep Guardiola’s side is on the verge of agreeing to a contract renewal with a sensational young star, Rico Lewis.
