MANCHESTER, April 5, 2025 — Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will leave the club at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year spell that saw him become one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players.
The 33-year-old Belgium international, who turns 34 in June, confirmed the decision in an emotional statement on Friday, stating: “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.”
The announcement has sent ripples through the football world and raises numerous questions about Manchester City’s future, De Bruyne’s next move, and a possible squad overhaul in the summer.
A Decade of Dominance
Since arriving at the Etihad from German club Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has etched his name into the fabric of City’s modern history.
With 16 major trophies to his name — including six Premier League titles and the elusive Champions League in 2023 — the Belgian maestro has been central to Pep Guardiola’s era of domestic and European dominance.
A visionary passer, tireless worker, and occasional goalscorer, De Bruyne redefined the role of the modern midfielder in English football. His manager Pep Guardiola paid a glowing tribute, calling him “one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country.”
The Decision to Depart
Although no official reason has been cited, it has become clear that the decision was not solely De Bruyne’s.
Guardiola revealed at a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby that it was “not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.” The decision, according to sources within the club, was also endorsed by technical director Txiki Begiristain.
De Bruyne is currently among the league’s highest earners on a £400,000-a-week deal. With City unlikely to offer a contract on similar terms, and with the midfielder’s form dipping due to injuries and age, the club may have deemed a clean break preferable.
Despite flashes of brilliance — including a pivotal cameo against Newcastle in January, where he scored and assisted to overturn a 2-1 deficit — De Bruyne has not exerted the same influence this season. Four goals and seven assists across all competitions mark a notable drop from his usual output.
What Next for De Bruyne?
The Belgian’s next move is unclear, but speculation abounds. He has previously expressed openness to a move to Saudi Arabia, telling reporters last June he was willing to consider such an option. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have already made contact with his representatives, and it remains a lucrative possibility.
However, family considerations — De Bruyne has three young children — may weigh against a move to the Middle East. His eldest son, Mason, is showing promise as a footballer, and the family’s next steps may prioritize stability and education.
MLS club San Diego FC had also shown concrete interest, holding exclusive discovery rights to the midfielder. But sources suggest the newly formed club has since dropped out of the race.
A switch to another, less physically demanding European league is also on the cards, with potential suitors likely to include clubs from Italy, the Netherlands, or even a return to Belgium.
A Fitting Farewell?
Manchester City’s final home match of the season is currently set for May 18 against Bournemouth — unless the fixture is rescheduled due to FA Cup commitments.
That match is expected to serve as De Bruyne’s farewell at the Etihad, with speculation already mounting over whether a statue will eventually be commissioned in his honour.
Though De Bruyne is contractually eligible to represent City at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer, it is highly unlikely he will risk injury by playing in a competition Guardiola himself has described as a “pre-season extension.”
Unless he signs a short-term extension or joins another participating club purely for the tournament — an option permitted by FIFA’s updated rules — De Bruyne is expected to spend his summer preparing for his next chapter after representing Belgium in World Cup qualifiers in early June.
A Summer of Change at City?
De Bruyne’s exit could be the first in a wave of high-profile departures from the City squad. Guardiola has already acknowledged shortcomings this season, telling reporters, “We don’t deserve a bonus, not even a watch.”
City invested heavily in January, spending nearly £180 million on four signings, and more additions are expected this summer. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is reportedly high on the club’s wishlist.
However, to fund and accommodate these signings, outgoings are inevitable. Kyle Walker’s loan to AC Milan could become permanent.
Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expires in June and it remains unclear if a one-year extension clause will be activated. Jack Grealish, frustrated by a lack of starts and recently omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, may also seek a move.
Injuries have plagued John Stones and Nathan Ake, while question marks hang over the futures of Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Matheus Nunes, Kalvin Phillips, James McAtee, and Nico O’Reilly. City could see their biggest squad overhaul since Guardiola took charge in 2016.
End of an Era
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of a golden era for Manchester City. Arriving as a talented but unproven player, he leaves as a legend, his legacy etched into the club’s DNA. He was the metronome, the creator-in-chief, and often the spark that ignited City’s most breathtaking moments.
As Guardiola put it: “What he has done for this club is unforgettable. He will always be part of Manchester City.”
For fans, the final months of the season will serve as a chance to celebrate a player whose vision, drive, and elegance helped shape one of the greatest teams in Premier League history.
Wherever De Bruyne ends up next, his name will forever be synonymous with Manchester City’s rise to the summit of European football.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
