As the sun set over the Etihad Stadium on May 2, 2025, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a performance that reignited a firestorm of debate about his impending departure from Manchester City. In a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 33-year-old Belgian maestro scored the decisive goal, reminding fans and critics alike of his enduring brilliance. Former City defender Micah Richards, watching from the Sky Sports studio, passionately argued that De Bruyne is “still good enough to play at the highest level,” questioning the club’s decision to let the midfield maverick leave as a free agent when his contract expires in June. With only one home game left in his storied decade-long tenure, De Bruyne’s exit has become a polarizing topic, blending nostalgia, business logic, and raw emotion.
De Bruyne’s goal against Wolves was a classic display of his genius—a precise strike from one of only two shots on target in a match where City were far from their fluid best. His performance went beyond the scoreline, with the highest number of successful final-third passes and pressures leading to turnovers, showcasing the vision and tenacity that have defined his 413 appearances for the club. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has amassed 106 goals, 174 assists, and 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. His 118 Premier League assists rank second only to Ryan Giggs, cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s greatest-ever midfielders. Yet, as Richards noted, “There’s not many mavericks left in football,” praising De Bruyne’s “remarkable” quality and lamenting the decision to part ways.
The decision, confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola as a “club call,” has stirred controversy. De Bruyne himself admitted to being “a little bit shocked” at not receiving a contract extension, especially after feeling injury-free and mobile for the first time in years. “I still think I can perform at this level,” he told reporters post-match, his tone a mix of pride and resignation. “I’m just trying to play as good as I can. I know I’ve got one game left [at the Etihad], but I try to do my job like I’ve always done.” His teammates, visibly saddened by his departure, have voiced their support, with De Bruyne noting, “A lot of team-mates have spoken to me, they’re sad that I’m leaving, but sometimes that’s how it goes in life.”
Critics of City’s choice, like Richards, argue that De Bruyne’s football intelligence and ability to deliver in clutch moments—like his free-kick masterclass in a 5-2 comeback against Crystal Palace earlier in April—make him irreplaceable. “Maybe he’s saying to the manager he’s still good enough to play at this level,” Richards said, acknowledging that De Bruyne’s pressing may not align perfectly with City’s high-intensity system but insisting his quality remains unmatched. Many City fans echo this sentiment, with some expressing relief that De Bruyne can “leave on a high” after a season where he’s contributed three goals and seven assists in 20 league appearances despite injury setbacks.
On the other side, pundit Jamie Carragher defends City’s pragmatic approach. “He’s one of the highest-paid players in world football, and rightly so,” Carragher said, pointing to De Bruyne’s injury-plagued recent seasons, including only 15 Premier League starts last year and 17 this season. “He’s been injured a lot in the last two years, so it’s hard to justify, from a business point of view, to give him a new contract.” With City navigating Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and planning a squad rebuild—evidenced by £180m in winter signings—Carragher argues that De Bruyne’s £400,000-a-week wages are unsustainable for a player likely to play 20-25 games a season. “You couldn’t afford to have someone on those wages not playing every week,” he added.
De Bruyne’s future remains uncertain, with rumors swirling about moves to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, Saudi Pro League clubs, or even a shock Premier League stay, with Aston Villa reportedly holding internal talks. “I don’t know about the future, unfortunately,” De Bruyne said, expressing a desire to win the FA Cup as a parting gift. As City chase Champions League qualification, currently sitting fourth, three points behind Arsenal, De Bruyne’s final act could yet be a triumphant one. For now, the debate rages: is the club right to move on from a legend, or is the maverick still too good to let go?
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