Kevin De Bruyne has spoken publicly for the first time about his plans beyond Manchester City, as the curtain prepares to fall on his legendary spell at the Etihad.
The Belgian midfielder, widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players, is set to leave City at the end of the current campaign after officials opted not to offer an extension to his expiring contract.
With a major squad rebuild already in motion – following four additions in January and several more expected this summer – City are reshaping their side for the 2025/26 season. De Bruyne, now 33, has been deemed surplus to requirements as the club looks to manage wages and make room for fresh arrivals.
The decision means De Bruyne will be available on a free transfer, and speculation over his next destination has intensified. Reports across England, Italy, and elsewhere have linked him with a host of clubs including Aston Villa, Liverpool, Napoli, Inter Miami, and Chicago Fire.
Following City’s FA Cup Final defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend, De Bruyne confirmed he has already held conversations with prospective clubs.
Asked when a decision might be made, he replied:
“Whenever I’m ready to make one. As long as I don’t know, I can’t tell you.”
He continued:
“I want to play good football, whatever the decision. I know you’re trying to guess where I’m going but I’ll make my decision. You guys will know when I know. I don’t know [about staying in the Premier League], it depends who comes.”
“I have a family, young kids – I have to make a decision that suits everyone. When I was 20, it was all about me. Now, it’s a bit more complex.”
As one of the most influential players in City’s modern era prepares to move on, all eyes will be on where De Bruyne heads next – and whether his final chapter in football will be written in England, Europe, or further afield.