Kevin De Bruyne could be set to skip this summer’s Club World Cup after being told he’s free to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Belgian midfielder revealed last week that the club won’t be offering him a new contract, with City making it clear he can walk away when his current deal expires in June. The decision — and the way it’s been handled — hasn’t gone down well with De Bruyne, who’s now exploring his next move.
City are due to head to the United States in June for the revamped Club World Cup. Technically, De Bruyne is still contracted until the end of the month and would be expected to join the squad. FIFA regulations also allow clubs to extend deals by two weeks for players involved in the tournament, which runs until July 13.
But De Bruyne is understood to have serious doubts about playing any part. With his focus on securing a move — and avoiding injury — he’s reportedly hoping to bow out after the final Premier League game of the season. He’s also eyeing a much-needed break before the next chapter of his career begins.
Pep Guardiola is expected to want his talisman involved in the Club World Cup, especially as City look to add another piece of silverware to the collection. But De Bruyne will likely sit down with club officials to ask for a release from his summer obligations.
Interest in KDB is already building, with clubs in Saudi Arabia, Europe, and MLS — including David Beckham’s Inter Miami — keeping close tabs on his situation.