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De Bruyne delivers brutal verdict on Enzo Fernandez after Ksh21.9B Man City transfer
05th September, 2026 12:07 PM
Kevin De Bruyne has poured cold water on suggestions that Enzo Fernandez can immediately step into his shoes at Manchester City, despite the Argentine midfielder arriving at the Etihad in a blockbuster £125 million, about Ksh21.9 billion transfer from Chelsea.
The former City star has questioned the decision to compare Fernandez with him, warning that the 25-year-old still has significant ground to cover before he can be considered his genuine successor.
De Bruyne rejects Fernandez comparisons
Fernandez’s arrival has inevitably triggered comparisons with De Bruyne, who established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders during his spell in Manchester.
However, De Bruyne believes such comparisons are premature. Speaking in an interview with Nieuwsblad, he played down the idea that Fernandez should already be viewed as the next version of himself.
“Manchester City fans calling Fernandez my successor? Honestly, I think that’s a little too much,” De Bruyne said in the interview.
He acknowledged that Fernandez possesses the necessary qualities to develop into a major player but insisted that the Argentine has yet to reach the standard he himself achieved at City.
“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 are likely to generate considerable discussion, particularly given the huge financial commitment City have made to bring Fernandez to the club.
Fernandez inherits De Bruyne’s No.17 shirt
One of the clearest signs of the changing midfield era at City is Fernandez’s decision to wear the No.17 jersey.
The shirt was strongly associated with De Bruyne during his hugely successful Manchester career, making Fernandez’s selection of the number particularly significant.
Fernandez, however, has stressed that his decision was based on his own connection to the number rather than an attempt to follow De Bruyne’s path.
“It’s a number I like,” he stated during his unveiling. “It embodies me. It was my first number in the national team, so I’m very happy to choose this number.”
Massive transfer fee raises expectations
Fernandez’s price tag has added another layer to the debate surrounding his arrival.
City reportedly paid a British-record Ksh21.9 billion to bring the World Cup-winning midfielder to Manchester. With such a huge investment comes enormous expectations, although De Bruyne believes the transfer fee should not be confused with proof that a player has already reached world-class status.
The Belgian was particularly critical of the way Fernandez’s reputation may have been boosted by his performances for Argentina and the size of his transfer.
“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 ready to prove himself
Despite De Bruyne’s assessment, Fernandez appears determined to make his own mark at City rather than become preoccupied with comparisons to his predecessor.
The Argentine has also welcomed the opportunity to work with Enzo Maresca again and believes he has joined a club equipped to compete for major honours.
“Every player wants to be part of a club like this because everyone knows how well-run City are,” Fernandez said upon his arrival at the club. “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.”
Fernandez will now face the difficult task of living up to the expectations attached to both his transfer fee and the legacy of the player whose famous No.17 shirt he has inherited.
