In a transfer saga that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, has reportedly set his sights on a stunning move to Real Madrid. The 33-year-old Belgian, whose contract with the Premier League giants expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, is said to have offered his services to the Spanish champions, even agreeing to halve his hefty £375,000-per-week wages to make the dream switch a reality. As De Bruyne prepares to bid farewell to a decade of glory at the Etihad, his audacious bid to join the La Liga titans underscores his hunger to compete at the highest level, even as debates swirl about his fitness and Real Madrid’s youth-focused transfer policy.
De Bruyne’s tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of legendary. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million, he’s amassed 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League crown in 2023. With 106 goals and 174 assists in 413 appearances, he’s cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielders, trailing only Ryan Giggs in all-time assists. Yet, this season has been challenging, with injuries limiting him to 19 starts and City struggling to secure Champions League qualification, sitting third in the table. “I know that I only have one home game left, but I just try to do my job,” De Bruyne said after a 1-0 win over Wolves, hinting at his looming departure. “A lot of teammates have said that it’s sad I have to go, but that’s just how it goes sometimes in life.”
The offer to Real Madrid, a club renowned for its galactico signings, is a bold gambit. Reports suggest De Bruyne is willing to slash his salary to €7-8 million annually—down from €16 million—to secure a Bosman move to the Santiago Bernabeu. “I still feel I can play at a good level,” he emphasized, addressing concerns about his injury-plagued campaign, which saw him contribute six goals and eight assists in 36 appearances. The move would mark his first foray into La Liga, a league he’s never played in, and could fill the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement. However, Real Madrid’s response has been mixed. While some reports indicate a “favorable” reaction, president Florentino Perez’s preference for younger talents like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga has led to skepticism. “I assure you that De Bruyne is willing to cut his salary by more than half in exchange for playing two or three seasons at Real Madrid,” a Belgian journalist claimed, yet posts on X suggest Perez may turn down the opportunity, prioritizing long-term investments.
De Bruyne’s future is a kaleidoscope of possibilities. Napoli have emerged as a serious contender, reportedly offering €8 million per year over two seasons, with an option for a third, as the Serie A leaders eye a marquee signing to bolster their title charge. MLS clubs, including Inter Miami, which holds his discovery rights, and Saudi Pro League teams have also been linked, promising lucrative deals. “I’m open for anything,” De Bruyne said, stressing a holistic approach that considers “sporting reasons, family, everything together.” His wife, Michèle, and their three children—Suri, Rome, and Mason—will play a key role in the decision, with De Bruyne noting, “Manchester will forever be on our kids’ passports—and in our hearts.”
As City plan a “fitting tribute” for their departing icon, whom Pep Guardiola called “one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country,” De Bruyne’s next chapter remains unwritten. Will he don Real Madrid’s white jersey, orchestrate Napoli’s attack, or embark on an “exotic adventure” elsewhere? His willingness to sacrifice financially for a shot at La Liga glory speaks to his enduring ambition. For now, the football world watches, captivated by a legend plotting his final act.
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