What Lies Ahead for Kevin De Bruyne After His Manchester City Exit?
In a poignant evening at the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne bid farewell to Manchester City supporters, marking the end of an illustrious chapter that lasted nearly a decade. The Belgian midfielder’s departure has raised questions regarding his future, which has become a hot topic among football analysts and fans alike.
De Bruyne played his last match for Manchester City on May 21, 2025, contributing to a 3-1 victory against Bournemouth. This match wasn’t just a routine game; it was a farewell to the fans who had grown to adore him over the years. During his tenure, De Bruyne emerged as a pivotal player, leading his team to a staggering 14 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League.
Speculation about De Bruyne's next move has been rife. After the recent announcement that he would not be offered a new contract, many anticipated a sensational transfer to Liverpool, particularly after Mohamed Salah extended an open invitation for him to join Anfield. “He's done a phenomenal job at City, and he was great for the league,” Salah stated, showcasing the respect held for De Bruyne even among rivals.
However, sources indicate that De Bruyne has ruled out a Premier League stay, opting instead for a new adventure abroad, potentially with Serie A side Napoli. The 33-year-old was quoted saying, "I want to play with creativity, I wanted to enjoy football," highlighting his desire to continue playing at a high level, albeit in a different environment.
As pundits Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp discussed on Sky Sports, the decision to let such a talented individual leave without a contract may be misguided. Richards articulated feelings of disbelief, remarking, "To let this sort of player leave on a free just doesn't sit right." The former City defender suggested that De Bruyne could still have much to offer the club, especially if his role adapted to a deeper position on the field.
Further exacerbating the issue for City is Pep Guardiola's recent statement indicating his dissatisfaction with the current squad size. The manager noted, "I don't want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I will quit if we don’t reduce our squad.” This sentiment suggests that City are anticipating more changes than just De Bruyne leaving, stirring concern about the team’s future direction.
With various clubs, including MLS franchises and Serie A teams, showing interest in the midfield maestro, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping De Bruyne's career path. Will he head to Napoli, or could an unexpected return to the Premier League be on the cards? Only time will tell.
As De Bruyne transitions from Manchester City, one question lingers - where will this football genius land next? His next move could redefine his legacy even further. Fans and experts alike are eager to see if he can replicate his success elsewhere. What are your thoughts on De Bruyne's departure? Leave your comments below!
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Why has Kevin De Bruyne left City?
De Bruyne's contract with City expires in June and City have surprisingly opted not to renew the midfielder's deal for at least another season. Therefore, the Belgium international will be one of the most in-demand free agents this summer and he has already been linked with clubs across the world.
Who is leaving Man City?
Kevin de Bruyne is the only player confirmed to be leaving City this summer, while the future of midfielder Jack Grealish, who last started a Premier League match on 2 April, is also in doubt.
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