Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City when his contract ends this summer, concluding a decade-long stint with the club. The Belgian midfielder, who turns 34 in June, joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 and has since collected 16 major honors, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph in 2023.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised De Bruyne as “one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in this country.” However, Guardiola also took responsibility for the decision not to renew the midfielder’s contract, revealing it was a difficult conversation to have. “It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue,” Guardiola admitted ahead of City’s clash with Manchester United.
De Bruyne echoed a similar sentiment in his farewell message, saying: “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.” The exact reasons for ending the partnership remain unclear, though his high wages – reportedly £400,000 per week – and a dip in form have likely played a role. This season, De Bruyne has managed just four goals and seven assists across all competitions.
Next destination unclear as Saudi and MLS links surface
While De Bruyne has yet to confirm his next move, his representatives have already been in contact with clubs in Saudi Arabia. He has previously said he is “open” to a move there, although the decision may be complicated by his young family, including his eldest son, Mason, who is seen as a promising football talent.
Major League Soccer side San Diego FC had shown concrete interest in signing him ahead of their league debut in 2025. The club initially held discovery rights over the midfielder, preventing other MLS teams from negotiating with him. However, those rights have since been relinquished, and San Diego is no longer pursuing the transfer.
Though a return to Europe hasn’t been ruled out, De Bruyne’s comments in November suggest he still believes he can perform at a high level. “I can make a difference for this team,” he said at the time. A move to a less physically demanding league in Europe may be an option as he decides on the next chapter of his career.
A summer of change at Manchester City
De Bruyne’s exit could signal the start of a major reshuffle at City. Guardiola recently labelled the season “poor” and acknowledged his own shortcomings. As a result, the club is preparing for a significant overhaul. In January, they invested close to £180 million on four new players, with further recruitment expected over the summer.
Outgoings are also anticipated. Kyle Walker is unlikely to return from his loan at AC Milan. Jack Grealish, frustrated by limited opportunities, may seek a fresh start to revive his international career. Meanwhile, Gundogan’s contract situation remains uncertain, and doubts persist over the futures of Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Matheus Nunes, John Stones, and Nathan Ake.
Kalvin Phillips is also expected to depart, regardless of whether he returns from his current loan spell. Additionally, the roles of young talents like James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly remain in flux. All signs point to a summer of transition at the Etihad – the most significant since Guardiola’s arrival in 2016.
As for the upcoming Club World Cup, De Bruyne’s involvement appears unlikely. His contract expires on 30 June, meaning he could technically feature in the early stages of the tournament. But extending his stay or risking injury before securing a new club may not appeal. Instead, his final game in a City shirt may come in the club’s last home fixture against Bournemouth on 18 May – unless rescheduled due to a potential FA Cup final appearance. Guardiola has hinted that a statue in De Bruyne’s honor may one day grace the Etihad – a fitting tribute for a player who helped define an era.
