As Kevin De Bruyne approaches the twilight of his illustrious tenure at Manchester City, the Belgian midfielder finds himself at a crossroads, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025. The 33-year-old, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever playmakers, has confirmed that these will be his final months with the club, marking the end of a decade-long era defined by dazzling creativity and a trophy-laden cabinet. Despite his departure from the Etihad Stadium looming, De Bruyne’s future promises to be anything but quiet, with a host of elite clubs already circling to secure his services.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Serie A leaders Napoli are making a bold move to sign De Bruyne on a free transfer. The Naples club, under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, is reportedly keen to bolster its midfield with the Belgian’s unparalleled vision and technical prowess. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is said to have traveled to Manchester in recent weeks to hold talks with De Bruyne’s representatives, presenting the club’s ambitious project and outlining their vision for the player. Sources suggest that Napoli see De Bruyne as a marquee addition to their squad, particularly as they aim to cement their status as Serie A champions and make a strong push in the Champions League. The presence of De Bruyne’s international teammate Romelu Lukaku at Napoli could also play a role in swaying his decision, with the pair sharing a strong rapport.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding a potential move to Liverpool has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. According to Di Marzio, the Premier League champions have tabled an offer to bring De Bruyne to Anfield, a move that would see him join one of Manchester City’s fiercest rivals. The prospect of De Bruyne donning the red of Liverpool is tantalizing, given his admitted childhood admiration for the club and his praise for the electric atmosphere at Anfield. Liverpool’s interest comes at a time when manager Arne Slot is looking to reinforce his midfield, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s confirmed departure to Real Madrid. De Bruyne’s ability to dictate play and deliver pinpoint passes could make him an ideal candidate to fill the creative void left by the outgoing right-back. However, reports on Liverpool’s pursuit are mixed, with some outlets, including the Liverpool Echo, suggesting that the Reds have not made a formal approach and are instead focusing on younger targets to align with their long-term recruitment strategy.
Beyond Napoli and Liverpool, De Bruyne’s next destination remains an open question. Clubs in Major League Soccer, including the Chicago Fire, have been linked with the midfielder, while sides in the Saudi Pro League are also monitoring his situation. Aston Villa, another Premier League outfit, has reportedly held internal discussions about a potential move, with their ambitious project under Unai Emery potentially appealing to De Bruyne’s desire to remain at the elite level. Despite interest from abroad, De Bruyne has made it clear that he believes he can still compete at the highest echelons of European football, a sentiment echoed by his recent performances, including a match-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City marks the end of an era for the club, where he has won six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous domestic cups since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £54.5 million. His decision to leave, described by the player as a “business” move following the club’s choice not to extend his contract, has sparked widespread debate about his next chapter. While some City fans may wince at the thought of him joining a rival like Liverpool, De Bruyne’s legacy at the Etihad is secure, with his name etched in the club’s history as one of its greatest-ever players.