Report: Man City eye £84.8m West Ham star as De Bruyne replacement

Pep Guardiola Eyes Kudus to Replace De Bruyne: Liverpool’s Slot Faces Transfer Tussle

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly set his sights on West Ham star Mohammed Kudus as a potential replacement for the legendary Kevin de Bruyne. This revelation, originally reported by Team Talk, indicates a brewing transfer saga that could significantly impact both Manchester City and Liverpool’s summer plans.

Guardiola’s Grand Plan: Kudus to Fill De Bruyne’s Shoes

Guardiola’s interest in Kudus stems from his need to find a long-term successor to De Bruyne, who turned 33 and is contemplating a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. De Bruyne’s contract has just a year left, and with his openness to new opportunities, City is preparing for a future without their talismanic midfielder. The Belgian has been instrumental for City, contributing 111 Premier League assists, just behind Ryan Giggs on the all-time list.

While alternatives like Dani Olmo and Florian Wirtz have been considered, Guardiola appears to have zeroed in on Kudus. The Ghanaian international, who joined West Ham from Ajax for £39.5 million, has impressed in the Premier League and Europa League, tallying 18 goals and seven assists across all competitions.

Liverpool’s New Era Under Arne Slot

As Guardiola plots his move for Kudus, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot is also looking to bolster his squad. Slot, stepping into Jurgen Klopp’s shoes, aims to continue the legacy left behind by the German. Slot’s initial focus is on strengthening Liverpool’s defense and midfield, particularly finding replacements for the departed Fabinho.

Reports suggest that Liverpool is targeting PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, a player also wanted by Manchester United. Ugarte’s agent has hinted at Liverpool’s interest, which could be a significant coup for Slot as he rebuilds his squad.

Kudus’ Preference: Playing Alongside Haaland

One intriguing aspect of the Kudus transfer saga is his admiration for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Kudus, in an interview with West Ham’s YouTube channel, named Haaland as a dream striker for his fantasy world XI, highlighting his desire to play alongside the prolific Norwegian.

“As a striker, you want to put the ball in the net. He has that quality, so I’ll go for him. Strong, fast, worries defenders, and scores goals, so I’ll go for Haaland,” Kudus said.

Haaland’s partnership with De Bruyne has been a highlight at City, with the Belgian assisting 16 of Haaland’s Premier League goals. This connection might be a significant factor in City’s pursuit of Kudus, who could potentially recreate that chemistry with Haaland.

Financial Implications and Transfer Challenges
Securing Kudus will not come cheap for Manchester City. West Ham is reportedly unwilling to accept anything less than the €100 million (£84.8 million) release clause in his contract. This hefty price tag reflects Kudus’ rapid rise and his potential to fill De Bruyne’s void at City.

Liverpool, on the other hand, faces its challenges. The Merseyside club needs to address the goalkeeping situation, with Adrian nearing a move back to Real Betis and Caoimhin Kelleher seeking a transfer. Additionally, the future of star forward Mo Salah remains uncertain, with Liverpool reportedly exploring possible replacements.

Conclusion: A Summer of Intrigue and High-Stakes Transfers
The summer transfer window promises to be a period of significant change for both Manchester City and Liverpool. Guardiola’s potential acquisition of Kudus as De Bruyne’s successor could reshape City’s midfield dynamics, while Slot’s efforts to reinforce Liverpool’s squad will be crucial for their ambitions.

As the transfer market heats up, fans can expect a fascinating battle for top talents, with Kudus’ future at the center of this high-stakes drama. Whether Guardiola succeeds in bringing the Ghanaian to the Etihad or Liverpool manages to outmaneuver their rivals remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the upcoming season will be pivotal for both clubs as they navigate these critical transitions.

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