In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football community, Kevin de Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, following the club's decision not to renew his contract. The Belgian midfielder, who has been a pivotal figure for City since his arrival in 2015, expressed his surprise and disappointment at the news, stating he was "in shock" upon receiving the announcement from the club's hierarchy.
De Bruyne, who has played 416 matches for City, scoring 107 goals and providing 168 assists, has been instrumental in the club's success over the past decade. He has helped the team secure 16 titles, including six Premier League championships and a Champions League trophy. His departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, a club that has dominated English football during his tenure.
After City's 2-0 victory over Everton on April 19, 2025, de Bruyne spoke candidly about the situation, revealing that he had not received any contract renewal offers throughout the year. "I was a bit in shock. I didn’t receive any offers all year. They just made the decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it," he told reporters.
The decision was communicated to him by Txiki Begiristain, the football director, and Ferrán Soriano, the executive director. Although manager Pep Guardiola was involved in the discussions leading to the decision, he did not attend the meeting with de Bruyne. This has raised questions about the club's strategy moving forward and the rationale behind allowing such a key player to leave.
De Bruyne, who has been recovering from injuries this season, believes he still has much to offer at the highest level. "Honestly, I still believe I can perform at this level, as I’m showing, but I understand that clubs have to make their decisions. If perhaps the team wasn’t struggling as it is now, and I came back as I did this year, maybe they would have made a different decision. I still have a lot to give. I’m open to everything," he stated.
The midfielder was met with applause from the Everton fans during the match at Goodison Park, a testament to his status as one of the league's top players. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the announcement, de Bruyne said, "Once the decision became public, it was more of a relief when I spoke to the world, compared to when no one knew. You can’t know what to do with the emotion, how to deal with it at the club. I will do my best to win games for City."
With this latest win, Manchester City moved back into the top four of the Premier League, now sitting on 58 points—just one point behind Newcastle, who occupy the third spot. Liverpool leads the competition with 79 points. The next challenge for City comes on April 22, 2025, against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, where de Bruyne will aim to leave a lasting impression in his remaining matches.
De Bruyne's departure is not just a personal loss for the player but also a significant moment for Manchester City as they prepare for a transition. The club is reportedly looking to invest in younger talent to maintain competitiveness, especially with rivals like Arsenal and Newcastle strengthening their squads. The decision to part ways with de Bruyne, while financially strategic, raises concerns about the team's ability to replace a player of his caliber.
Throughout his time at City, de Bruyne has been known for his exceptional vision, precise passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. His contributions have been crucial in many of the club's triumphs, and his absence will undoubtedly create a void that will be challenging to fill.
As he prepares for his exit, de Bruyne has not ruled out continuing his career in the Premier League with another club. "I’m open to everything," he reiterated, indicating that he still sees himself competing at the highest level. This opens up a plethora of possibilities, with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United potentially interested in acquiring his services.
Outside of England, leagues such as the MLS and the Saudi Pro League have been mentioned as possible destinations, but de Bruyne has made it clear that his priority remains in Europe. His commitment to performing well until the end of the season illustrates his professionalism and dedication to the game.
In conclusion, Kevin de Bruyne's impending departure from Manchester City marks a significant chapter in both his career and the club's history. As he prepares to say goodbye, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where his next move takes him. With a legacy of success and an unwavering determination to continue competing, de Bruyne is sure to remain a formidable presence in the world of football.
