In a surprising twist to Manchester City’s midfield succession plan, former Premier League star Danny Murphy has tipped Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
“He’s Got It All” – Danny Murphy Backs Gibbs-White to Replace De Bruyne at City
With De Bruyne confirming his emotional departure from City at the end of the season, speculation around his successor has intensified.
The Belgian maestro, who’s arguably City’s greatest-ever player, leaves behind a staggering legacy—six Premier League titles, a Champions League, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and an incredible tally of 106 goals and 176 assists in 414 appearances.
As City brace for life after De Bruyne, names like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz have emerged. But Murphy believes the answer could lie closer to home.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy praised Gibbs-White, saying, “He’s just got it all. He’s shining in that Forest side.
He’s terrific with his back to goal, a great passer, takes risks, and is willing to work hard off the ball—something you don’t always get from attacking players.”
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, with five goals and nine assists so far.
Notably, he’s also taken on the captain’s armband in the absence of Ryan Yates, showcasing maturity and leadership qualities that would be vital at a club like City.
Murphy did note one challenge: “The only question you’d have is playing under bigger pressure and having to do it more consistently.”
Still, he believes Gibbs-White’s all-round game, versatility, and hunger make him a worthy contender for the Etihad spotlight.
With City set to face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final on April 20, Pep Guardiola will have a close-up view of a player who could be central to their future midfield.
Whether it’s a £121 million move for Wirtz or a bold Premier League pick in Gibbs-White, City’s post-De Bruyne era is taking shape—and the Englishman might just be the surprise successor no one saw coming.
