Manchester City want to sign ‘replacement’ for Kevin De Bruyne as £60m release clause ‘set’ to be triggered

Manchester City are reportedly keen to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig – even if Kevin De Bruyne stays at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

De Bruyne has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and rumours are swirling over his future with the Blues. Reports suggest that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in the Belgian, with Al Ittihad reportedly reaching a ‘verbal agreement’ with the 33-year-old.

Whether or not the attacking midfielder stays this summer, Pep Guardiola and City are under no illusion that De Bruyne’s days as the team’s first-choice playmaker are numbered. According to Give Me Sport, that’s why the Blues are still eager to activate the release clause in Olmo’s contract.

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The Spaniard has put in an admirable performance for his country at Euro 2024, which has only increased City’s interest in the 26-year-old. It is understood that a £51m offer is required to activate the release clause in his contract, and City are already said to have been in talks with RB Leipzig over Olmo’s availability ahead of the tournament in Germany.

Meanwhile, The Sun has learned that City and Tottenham Hotspur are both willing to activate the £60m release clause in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze’s contract. The Englishman was used on the bench by Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024, but his performances in the Premier League last season suggest he could become a regular if called up for the Three Lions.

The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in 27 league appearances last season and would offer City a different dimension going forward if he were to sign. It does, however, appear to be a significant deal at this stage, given Palace have already lost Michael Olise.

No doubt the Eagles will work hard to persuade Eze to stay, even if his release clause is activated this summer.