De Bruyne plays down Fernandez comparison after record Manchester City transfer

Kevin De Bruyne has rejected suggestions that Enzo Fernandez should be regarded as his successor at Manchester City, saying the £125m midfielder is “nowhere near” the level he reached during his decade with the club.

Fernandez, 25, joined Manchester City from Chelsea on transfer deadline day in a move that made him the joint most expensive player in British football history. The size of the transfer, together with his position and the shirt he inherited, has led supporters to draw comparisons with De Bruyne.

Fernandez has taken the number 17 shirt at Manchester City, a number made famous by the Belgium international during his long spell at the club. De Bruyne played a central role for Manchester City over 10 years before leaving last summer.

Some fans have therefore viewed the Argentina international as the midfielder who could eventually fill De Bruyne’s place in the team. However, De Bruyne believes that comparison places too much pressure on Fernandez and does not accurately reflect the difference between the two players.

Speaking to Nieuwsblad, De Bruyne said: “Manchester City fans calling Fernandez my successor? Honestly, I think that’s a little too much.”

He added: “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.”

The comments amount to a clear assessment from a player whose name remains closely linked with the number 17 shirt at Manchester City. De Bruyne’s view is that Fernandez has the ability to become an important midfielder, but that he should not yet be placed alongside the standard De Bruyne set during his time at the club.

Fernandez’s transfer from Chelsea was completed on deadline day for £125m, making him the joint most expensive player in British history. His arrival and the decision to give him De Bruyne’s former shirt have intensified the focus on whether he can become a similar figure for Manchester City.

De Bruyne, though, has distinguished between Fernandez’s potential and his own established level of performance at Manchester City. While he acknowledged the younger midfielder’s quality, he was unequivocal that the comparison between them is premature.

Fernandez now carries the expectations attached to both the record fee and the number 17 shirt, while De Bruyne’s remarks make clear that he does not consider the newcomer to be close to matching his contribution to Manchester City.