Are Manchester City making their move for a potential De Bruyne replacement?

The time is coming when Manchester City will have to rebuild their midfield. In fact, it may be the first job in the transfer market for incoming director of football Hugo Viana at City. Potentially the champions will be on the hunt for a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne next summer. The Belgian international is closer to the end of his career rather than the beginning. With this in mind, a new report suggests that Manchester City are laying the groundwork to potentially sign Georgiy Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Pete O’Rourke has reported for Football Insider that Manchester City are laying the groundwork to sign Georgiy Sudakov. The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has impressed so far this season. Furthermore, O’Rourke adds that Sudakov is one player on Manchester City’s transfer list. O’Rourke also reports that it will likely take a huge offer for Shakhtar Donetsk to consider selling their prized asset. Lastly, O’Rourke reports that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are interested in signing Sudakov.

Could Georgiy Sudakov potentially replace Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City?

So far this season Georgiy Sudakov has impressed for Shakhtar Donetsk. As per transfermarkt.com, in 10 appearances in all competitions, he has scored 7 goals and added 2 assists. That is an exceptional goal-scoring record for a midfielder. Last season he scored 10 goals and added 6 assists in 34 appearances. It is evident that Sudakov has an eye for goal from midfield. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he could one day fill Kevin De Bruyne’s shoes at Manchester City. There must be more to Sudakov’s game if he is to make the step up to a club of City’s level.

Fortunately, there is. Sudakov is a midfielder who is blessed with an exceptional eye for a pass. His ability to play a quality long ball and cross-field pass does stand out. Both of those skills could be a welcome addition to Manchester City’s squad. He is also adept at recovering the ball in midfield, although it isn’t a particular strength of his play. Sudakov is also a quality dribbler and that is another standout attribute of his play. The Ukrainian international also provides quality set piece delivery so there are some similarities to the play of Kevin De Bruyne in his game.

Georgiy Sudakov is a player to watch this season. If Pete O’Rourke’s report is correct then Manchester City are already monitoring the talented playmaker. If his strong start to the season for Shakhtar Donetsk continues then City may find their Kevin De Bruyne replacement in Georgiy Sudakov.