Kevin De Bruyne, the 33-year-old Belgian maestro who has defined Manchester City’s golden era, faces a bittersweet reality as his anticipated summer departure from the Etihad Stadium has been thrown into uncertainty. The midfielder, whose contract expires in June 2025, had hoped to secure a blockbuster move to cap his illustrious career, with whispers of lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS). However, recent developments suggest Manchester City’s reluctance to facilitate an early exit, coupled with De Bruyne’s own indecision, has stalled his plans, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his next chapter.
De Bruyne’s tenure at Manchester City, spanning a decade since his £55m move from Wolfsburg in 2015, has been nothing short of legendary. With 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, and a 2023 Champions League crown, he’s cemented his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. “Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life,” De Bruyne wrote in an emotional social media post earlier this year, reflecting on his transformative journey. Yet, his 2024-25 season has been marred by injuries, including a September abdomen setback, limiting him to 19 starts and casting doubts on his ability to sustain the high-intensity demands of Pep Guardiola’s system. “It’s been a hard year, having a hernia wasn’t fun,” he admitted after a standout performance in a 5-2 win over Crystal Palace, where he scored and assisted.
The prospect of a summer transfer had tantalized De Bruyne, who last June hinted at openness to a Saudi move, citing “incredible money” as a factor for his family’s future. Clubs like Al-Ittihad reportedly offered staggering sums, with one proposal reaching €1.2 million per week. MLS sides, including Inter Miami and San Diego FC, also emerged as contenders, with Inter Miami holding discovery rights to negotiate first. “Whatever project is available, I’m willing to listen,” De Bruyne told Viaplay, even leaving the door ajar for another Premier League club. However, Manchester City’s stance has complicated matters. Guardiola, while lauding De Bruyne as “one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country,” has indicated the club’s focus on squad rejuvenation, with no new contract offered. “It was not easy for me to tell him it [his City career] won’t continue,” the manager confessed, signaling a strategic shift toward younger talents like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, a £100m target to replace De Bruyne’s creative spark.
The Club World Cup, set for June 14 to July 13 in the United States, adds another layer of complexity. De Bruyne’s contract expires mid-tournament, and while FIFA’s adjusted rules allow for a short-term extension, Guardiola noted, “He has to decide… it depends on risk and contracts for the future.” De Bruyne’s hesitation to commit, coupled with City’s refusal to release him early, has dimmed hopes of a seamless transfer. Posts on X reflect fan frustration, with one user lamenting a “clouded relationship” between De Bruyne and the club, suggesting his desire to play at the highest level is at odds with City’s plans.
Despite the uncertainty, De Bruyne remains focused on leaving a legacy. His 107 goals and 177 assists in 415 appearances, including a record-tying 20 assists in the 2019-20 Premier League season, underscore his brilliance. “I want to go away with a Champions League place for this team because they deserve it,” he said, eyeing a strong finish to secure City’s qualification. The FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest offers a chance to add a third FA Cup medal, a fitting farewell if his exit materializes. “Winning the FA Cup would be brilliant!” he enthused, determined to end his City chapter on a high.
As the summer looms, De Bruyne’s future remains a puzzle. Will he chase a lucrative Saudi deal, join the MLS’s growing star-studded roster, or perhaps stage a dramatic Premier League return? His family, including wife Michele and children Mason, Suri, and Rome, born in Manchester, will play a pivotal role in his decision. “Manchester will forever be on our kids’ passports—and more importantly, in each of our hearts,” he wrote, a poignant reminder of his deep ties to the city. For now, De Bruyne’s hopes of a grand exit are on hold, but his legacy as a Premier League icon is secure, leaving fans to cherish his final moments in sky blue.