Kevin De Bruyne is “irreplaceable” for Manchester City says Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Erling Haaland has insisted that Kevin De Bruyne is, in many ways, “irreplaceable” for Manchester City ahead of the Belgian’s exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The Belgium international midfielder will be bringing an end to his legendary 10-year stay at Manchester City this summer after the club opted not to offer renewed terms to the 33-year-old beyond the ongoing season.

That leaves Manchester City officials with an almost-impossible task of trying to replace such an integral member of Pep Guardiola’s hugely successful operation across the space of just a few months, with in-demand creator Florian Wirtz at the top of the shortlist for the role.

De Bruyne’s exit will also bring an end to a truly remarkable partnership put together between Erling Haaland and the Belgian midfielder, which was in many ways responsible for the Treble success of the 2022/23 season.

Speaking as part of an interview with BBC Sport looking ahead to this weekend’s FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace, Erling Haaland has paid tribute to outgoing teammate Kevin De Bruyne following a special few years of working together.

“We would love for Kevin to finish with a trophy,” Haaland insisted. “He has had an incredible time at Manchester City, it is ridiculous how many trophies he has won. Hopefully he will get one more trophy. He ranks right up there for me. To get the balls from him is a dream.”

The Norway international striker continued, “It has been really special playing with him. Such a joy, and I am going to do everything I can to have this joy in the last few games.

“The future will be different with different players. When Kevin leaves we will need someone to replace him, although Kevin is irreplaceable in so many ways.”

Looking ahead to yet another visit to Wembley Stadium, Erling Haaland reflected, “It is just as special to go to Wembley. I have seen City win in the stands, have won as a player, and hopefully we can win there again.”

While Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne only have three competitive matches remaining in English football this season, it remains to be seen whether their link-up could continue into the summer at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

There remains uncertainty over whether De Bruyne will feature for City at the tournament, largely dependant on the will of his next club, with the player believed to be attracting interest from the likes of Napoli and MLS’ Chicago Fire.

Speaking during an interview with South American television broadcasters earlier this month, De Bruyne said of the tournament, “I don’t know.

“For me, it will depend on whatever happens in future, depending on what team I’ll go and what competition I’ll play. And also if the new team doesn’t want me to play, doesn’t want to risk.”