Kevin De Bruyne has shut down talk that Enzo Fernandez is already his Manchester City replacement after the Argentine’s £125 million move from Chelsea.
City supporters have been quick to call Fernandez the heir to De Bruyne’s throne. The Belgian, speaking to Nieuwsblad, said that comparison is too much, too soon.
“Manchester City fans calling Fernandez my successor? Honestly, I think that’s a little too much,” De Bruyne said. “Enzo is a good player, I’m not saying he isn’t. He has quality, he has potential and he can become a very important midfielder. But if we’re being completely honest, I don’t think he is anywhere near the level I was playing at for Manchester City.”
Fernandez takes the No.17 shirt
The debate has been sharpened by Fernandez’s squad number. He will wear City’s No.17, the shirt De Bruyne made iconic across a decade at the Etihad.
Fernandez said the choice was personal, not a claim on De Bruyne’s legacy.
“It’s a number I like,” he said at his unveiling. “It embodies me. It was my first number in the national team, so I’m very happy to choose this number.”
£125m does not make him world-class, says De Bruyne
City matched the British transfer record to sign the World Cup winner on a five-year deal. De Bruyne’s message is that the fee and the Argentina CV are not enough on their own.
“Sometimes I feel people have overrated him because of the price tag and what he has achieved with Argentina. £125m doesn’t automatically make you a world-class midfielder. He still has a lot to prove. If he wants to be my successor, he has to show it on the pitch first. Taking my No.17 shirt is one thing… replacing Kevin De Bruyne is something completely different.”
Fernandez focused on the challenge
Fernandez is reunited with Enzo Maresca, who managed him at Chelsea, and has kept his public comments on the club rather than the comparison.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are,” Fernandez said. “I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.”
The shirt is already his. According to De Bruyne, the successor label still has to be earned.
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