De Bruyne to Aston Villa: Man City update emerges amid ‘focal point’ admission
Kevin De Bruyne has emerged as a surprise target for Aston Villa after his departure from Manchester City was confirmed.
The 33-year-old has won it all at the Etihad but is packing his bags ahead of a summer exit after a difficult campaign for the Citizens.
This appears to be against the wishes of the Belgium international, who has suggested this wasn’t his own decision.
Unai Emery could look to step in to sign De Bruyne, although the latest admission may go against what the Spaniard wants at B6.
De Bruyne concern emerges at Aston Villa
There is no doubt about the quality the attacking midfielder possesses and what a difference he could make for the Villans next campaign.
The former Chelsea man has consistently been one of, if not the best, player in the Premier League since signing for the Sky Blues in 2015.
It was a surprise to see Pep Guardiola and Co. be keen to part ways with the Belgian after what has been a difficult season by his usual standards.
Villa have been linked with a move for De Bruyne, who could represent yet another superb pick-up on a free transfer in B6 after Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara.
With that being said, former Manchester United keeper Ben Foster has been left unsure of a deal, as expressed on the Football Fill-In (6 May).
He said: “I don’t think it’s too early for him to be leaving Manchester City. I think the reason why they haven’t been so successful this season is because they haven’t had the legs, they aren’t getting back as quickly or springing forward as quickly because the legs aren’t quite there.
“I think KDB (Kevin De Bruyne), part of the reason why he was so successful, is because he was so mobile, but his ability isn’t even a question.
“He needs to join a team with people around him who will do the running, and he will be the focal point, and the ball will go through him all the time. I don’t necessarily think that would work for Villa.”
De Bruyne would represent risk at Aston Villa
There would likely be a boom in shirt sales and eyes on B6 if De Bruyne were to make a move from the Etihad to Villa Park in the summer.
The Belgian is a huge name and would certainly help to improve the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers just through association in training.
This could prove to be a plus for Emery, but there is no doubt that the 33-year-old would likely struggle to fulfil his game plan on a weekly basis.
The Spanish head coach doesn’t sign passengers, he needs every player to give everything, and Foster looks to be right in what he is saying.