The football world buzzed with whispers of a seismic transfer when Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, announced he would leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer. For Liverpool fans, the idea of the 33-year-old Belgian swapping sky blue for red ignited dreams of a coup that could rival Luis Suarez’s move from Barcelona to Atlético Madrid. De Bruyne, a boyhood Liverpool supporter who once idolized Michael Owen, seemed like a tantalizing possibility for Arne Slot’s squad. However, a trusted Liverpool insider has poured cold water on the speculation, delivering a harsh verdict on De Bruyne’s current form and ruling out any chance of him landing at Anfield. “I’ve watched him this season as much as anybody else. He looks absolutely miles off it physically,” the source declared, painting a grim picture of a player who “kind of runs like he’s in mud at the moment.”
De Bruyne’s decade at Manchester City cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. With 119 assists—second only to Ryan Giggs—and 107 goals in 416 appearances, he’s been the heartbeat of City’s six title-winning campaigns, a Champions League triumph, and a trophy cabinet bursting with 16 pieces of silverware. His pinpoint passes and clutch moments, like the 2021-22 season where his contributions clinched the title by a single point over Liverpool, have haunted the Reds. Against them, he’s been a menace, scoring four goals and providing nine assists in 20 clashes, with City unbeaten when he’s directly contributed. Yet, 2024-25 has been a different story. Injuries, including a hamstring issue, limited him to 14 league starts, and his performances have lacked the dynamism that once defined him. “He just doesn’t look at that level for me anymore,” the insider added, pointing to his injury history and high wages as further dealbreakers.
The speculation about Liverpool began with a Belgian report suggesting De Bruyne’s “clouded relationship” with City and his family’s ties to the Reds—his grandfather was a supporter—could pave the way for a “bombshell” move. De Bruyne himself fueled the chatter, admitting a Premier League stay “could be possible” if a club offered a “nice sporting project” that suited his family. “I’m open for anything,” he said after a dazzling display against Crystal Palace, where he scored and assisted in a 5-2 comeback. “I still feel I can perform at a high level.” Former England winger Lee Sharpe even urged Liverpool to take the “gamble,” comparing it to Gary McAllister’s impactful late-career stint at Anfield. “He wouldn’t have to play every game because of the strength of the squad they’ve got there,” Sharpe argued, suggesting a one-year deal with an extension option.
Despite the allure, Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Fenway Sports Group prioritizes youth and athleticism, not aging stars. The source was adamant: “Is this player good enough to get in the Liverpool team at the moment? He just isn’t.” With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure looming, Liverpool need creativity, but they won’t compromise on age or fitness. “Not one I can see Liverpool going for with his wages and his injury history,” the insider noted, highlighting the club’s focus on rising talents like Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The Reds, 14 points clear of City and on the cusp of the Premier League title, are planning for the future, with three players reportedly set to leave to fund Slot’s vision.
De Bruyne’s next move remains uncertain. Major League Soccer, particularly San Diego FC, is a strong contender, with the midfielder favoring the U.S. over Saudi Arabia’s lucrative offers. “I’m looking at sporting reasons, family, and everything together,” he said, ruling out a move to Fenerbahçe and expressing surprise at City’s decision not to renew his £400,000-per-week contract. Pep Guardiola, visibly emotional, called it “a sad day but a happy day” for having coached a player whose “humanity and influence” defined City’s golden era. Posts on X reflect divided sentiment—some fans dream of De Bruyne in red, while others agree he’s “past his prime.” For now, Liverpool’s pursuit of the City icon remains a fantasy, but De Bruyne’s legacy as a Premier League titan endures, even as his final chapter unfolds elsewhere.