De Bruyne decision 'has to be emotionless'

With every final goal contribution, you cannot blame many fans for wondering whether Manchester City are making a monumental error in letting go of arguably the club's greatest-ever player at the wrong time.

After almost 10 years of service in the finest period in the club's history, Kevin de Bruyne will end his Manchester City career this summer following a decision not to offer renewed contractual terms beyond a difficult campaign for the club.

But at a time when Pep Guardiola needs his players most, it is the Belgian who is stepping up, showing little sign of slowing down when it comes to his impact in the final third.

It was the 33-year-old who carried the team on his shoulders last month, inspiring City to come back from 0-2 behind at home to Crystal Palace to win 5-2 in the Premier League just days after his emotional announcement concerning his exit on social media.

Then on Friday, his match-winner against Wolves put City within touching distance of the much-needed Champions League qualification this season.

Hoisting the FA Cup on May 17 could be the sweetest icing on top of a remarkable cake for De Bruyne at City and the task of replacing a true behemoth of English football will be enormous.

Yet there is far more to do for Hugo Viana, Txiki Begiristain and co than merely replacing one of the game's greatest creative footballers. This summer will decide whether the 2024-25 season was just a blip or whether Manchester City's time at the very top of the game is over.

With that task comes finances, a reshuffling of personnel, and the toughest of emotionless decisions to be taken within the club. That is where the weight of De Bruyne's monumental and deserved salary comes into play, with the Belgian believed to be earning north of £400,000 per week.

For an organisation aiming to move into a new era through reviving its squad, freeing up the finances is important, particularly when you considering the names linked with joining in the summer.

Diogo Costa, Andrea Cambiaso, Morgan Gibbs-White, Florian Wirtz... the list goes on. And the cost? Well, De Bruyne has one final part to play in making it possible.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra

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