Can Manchester City Stay on Top Without De Bruyne?

Image credit: Manchester City

As the 2025/26 season kicks off, Manchester City faces one of its biggest challenges in years—life without Kevin De Bruyne. 

The midfield maestro’s departure signals the end of an era. 

Now, new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and youth talents are tasked with filling the void.

City’s opening fixtures aren’t easy—Wolves away, Spurs at home, Brighton away—and how they handle this stretch could define their season.

Pep Guardiola’s recent comments about burnout and stepping away in 2027 also add another layer of uncertainty.

Rival clubs have strengthened significantly: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle have all made smart moves to close the gap. 

Meanwhile, last season's stats show slight cracks in City’s armor—reduced goal conversion, higher expected goals against, and a dip in Haaland’s output.

Will City rise again or begin to decline without De Bruyne’s creativity and leadership?

We take a full breakdown of City’s summer changes, opening fixtures, statistical analysis, and what it all means.

Be sure to check it out.

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