LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester City FC at Goodison Park on April 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Man City captain Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he was left surprised by the club’s decision not to extend his contract.
The talisman’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, and after revealing earlier this month that he would be leaving the club this summer, he has now recently admitted that the decision was due in part to a lack of offer from the club.
BBC Sport reported that De Bruyne was surprised by this decision and that he didn’t rule out the possibility of suiting up for a Premier League rival.
“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” said De Bruyne.
“Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
Amongst the greats
De Bruyne will leave City as the club’s most decorated servant. After joining from Wolsfburg in 2015, De Bruyne has gone on to lift 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. At 33, the player feels he has much more in the tank and says he will take his time to assess his next move.
“I feel like I still have a lot to give,” he added. “Obviously I know I’m not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job.”
“I’m open for anything” he said when asked about the possibility of joining another Premier League side.
“I have to look at the whole picture. I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.”
“I like to play football. I like to compete. That’s what I feel, so I can’t say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I’m in training I want to beat the guys.”
Where to next?
Rumours have circulated linking the Belgium international with moves to America and Saudi Arabia, with MLS side Chicago Fire having formally approached the player’s representatives. Fellow MLS side Inter Miami, however, hold the discovery rights to De Bruyne, meaning they have the right of first refusal should he choose to ply his trade in America.
As for City’s new look without De Bruyne, the club has been linked to Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, as well as Bayern’s Jamal Musiala and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. No formal approach has been made though for any of these targets at this time. City manager Pep Guardiola could instead look to internal solutions, with some suggesting Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb will be given more creative license.
De Bruyne is expected to make his decision in the coming month and admitted that he is unsure whether or not he will be in the City ranks for this summer’s Club World Cup. This suggests his future will be wrapped up sooner rather than later.
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