Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City after ten years—but not entirely of his own accord. The Belgian was apparently very surprised by the decision not to extend his contract.
An era is coming to an end. Kevin De Bruyne played for Manchester City for ten years, winning six league titles and the Champions League in 2023 with the Sky Blues.
If it had been up to De Bruyne, it wouldn’t have to be over yet; the playmaker feels he still has a lot to offer. But the Citizens clearly saw things differently. Sporting director Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano personally informed the Belgian that his expiring contract would not be renewed. “I was a bit shocked,” De Bruyne said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “I didn’t receive an offer all year and was surprised.”
De Bruyne quickly came to terms with it, though. He accepted the decision but believes “I still have a lot to offer. I’m aware that I’m not 25 anymore, but I can still do my job.”
Perhaps it was less about doubts about De Bruyne’s qualities and more about his susceptibility to injury. He was sidelined for months in the 2023/24 season due to a thigh injury, and the midfielder has already missed several games in the current season. As a result, he has only played in 23 league games (three goals), eight of which he came on as a substitute.
De Bruyne “open to everything”
De Bruyne, who turns 34 on June 28, is apparently not considering hanging up his boots. “I’m open to everything, but I have to look at everything from a general point of view. You have to consider sporting and family reasons and ultimately see what makes the most sense for me and my family,” he said. De Bruyne has recently been linked with MLS.
De Bruyne may be able to bow out with another title. Guardiola’s side will face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 27, with the winner going on to face the winner of the match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa (April 26). Participation in the Club World Cup in June is also still a possibility.
Meanwhile, the fourth-placed team is getting closer to its Champions League goal after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Everton. De Bruyne played from the start and was only substituted in the final stages.
