Manchester City are 'seriously hopeful' of bringing Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers back to the club as Kevin De Bruyne's successor, according to a report.
After 10 years of stellar service, De Bruyne will bid farewell to the Premier League champions this summer, as the 33-year-old announced on Friday that he would leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The former Wolfsburg and Chelsea protege will be remembered as one of the greatest playmakers to ever grace the Premier League, having provided more assists than every other player bar Ryan Giggs, but his final season has been a struggle.
De Bruyne has started just 12 Premier League games for Pep Guardiola's side in 2024-25, and his decline has contributed heavily to Man City's unexpected implosion as Liverpool stroll towards the title.
The Citizens can deploy Omar Marmoush and James McAtee behind Erling Haaland, but McAtee is also expected to be on the move this summer in search of regular minutes, as De Bruyne's exit is likely to trigger a wide-scale search for a replacement.
Man City have 'serious hopes' of Rogers deal
© Imago
The reigning English champions could apparently turn to a former flame to fill De Bruyne's boots, as TEAMtalk reports that they have 'serious hopes' of bringing Rogers back to the Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old previously represented the Sky Blues from 2019 to 2023, but he failed to make a single senior appearance for Man City and was allowed to join Middlesbrough for just £1m two summers ago.
However, Rogers shone in the Championship and is now excelling in the big time with Villa, racking up 13 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances in all tournaments, including the opening goal in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest.
Despite not giving him a look-in during his first spell at Man City, Guardiola is purportedly 'in love' with the England international, but it would take a 'mammoth offer' for Villa to consider a sale.
Rogers extended his Lions contract until 2030 back in November, which saw the 2002-born playmaker's weekly wage rise from £20,000 to £75,000, and City are not alone in the race for his services either.
The report adds that Liverpool are also pursuing a deal for the former Middlesbrough man in the summer window, while unspecified teams from abroad have been alerted to his rapid rise.
What other De Bruyne replacements can City target?
© Imago
City should have the funds to make the 'mammoth offer' that Villa desire for Rogers, but the 22-year-old has not been mooted as the Citizens' number one pick to replace De Bruyne.
That honour belongs to Bayer Leverkusen number 10 Florian Wirtz, who is widely believed to be top of Man City's De Bruyne replacement list after Jamal Musiala signed a new contract with Bayern Munich.
Closer to home, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Southampton's Tyler Dibling have both been linked with moves to the Etihad, although the Championship-bound Saints supposedly want as much as £100m to let the latter leave.
Alternatively, Guardiola could give the young Claudio Echeverri a chance next season, but it has been reported that the 19-year-old could instead be used as a makeweight for a defensive target.
Ben Knapton
