The midfielder will leave the Etihad at the end of the season, but he will have no shortage of options despite his powers being on the wane
It's official: Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium. Having increasingly become a bit-part player in 2024-25, the Belgian has confirmed he will depart when his contract expires in June.
"Football led me to all you – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life," De Bruyne wrote in an emotional statement on social media on Friday. "Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Every story comes to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter."
His powers may be on the wane, but the 33-year-old will still have no shortage of suitors in the summer, with plenty of clubs in Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and beyond linked with a free transfer for the midfield dynamo.
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According to , De Bruyne has always considered finishing his career in MLS, and it's said he would potentially prefer that over a touted move to Saudi Arabia for himself and his family, even if the money is worse.
The Belgian could be given a smooth pathway to the States by staying within the City Football Group, having been offered the chance to join one of Man City's sister clubs. A move to the Big Apple to join New York City FC could therefore fit the bill.
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Of course, with MLS touted as a potential destination and the player open to a switch stateside, there have been inevitable links to David Beckham's Inter Miami for a mouth-watering link-up with the GOAT Lionel Messi in Florida.
The problem is the attacking midfielder would almost certainly take up one of the Herons' Designated Player (DP) slots for big-money stars exempt from the league's salary cap, currently occupied by Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Something would have to give.
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Or how about rivalling Messi in MLS and becoming the face of its newest franchise? San Diego FC, who are debuting in MLS in 2025, reportedly made a proposal to De Bruyne to become their poster boy in late 2024.
The club's sporting director, Tyler Heaps, has even admitted he has held talks over the player, but it would be a tough deal to pull off. "I talked to the agent," he said. "I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what, those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are."
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All of that said, Saudi Arabia certainly hasn't been ruled out as a potential destination, and the latest reports seems to suggest De Bruyne could be keen to disrupt the established order in the Gulf state.
The Belgian is said to have held talks with second-tier side Neom SC, who are set to be promoted to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season. He is supposedly open to the switch, and could therefore link up with ex-Premier League man Said Benrahma.
