Kevin De Bruyne’s Premier League career will not necessarily end when he leaves Manchester City in the summer, with Chelsea joining Aston Villa in the race to sign the veteran Belgium playmaker.
De Bruyne announced on social media that he will leave City at the end of his contract – but it has since emerged that the decision may not have been one the 33-year-old is happy about.
Pep Guardiola later said: “The most important thing is, from my point of view, I said to the club: ‘Which players are reliable for the future?’ You cannot perform if you’re not reliable, injured. This is which players we have, that they can play every three days, three days, three days or cannot. Then, build a squad for next season…”
De Bruyne has been linked with a move to MLS or the Saudi Pro League – but is it possible that he remains in the Premier League? Doors appear to be opening up as clubs explore the prospect of keeping one of the game’s greatest passers in the English elite – something that would appear to suit a man who does not want to uproot his family.
De Bruyne’s future: Which club will he sign for?
Arsenal were initially tipped as the likeliest club to make a move for De Bruyne as a free agent, but Sky Sports have since reported that Aston Villa have held internal discussions about the prospect of signing the playmaker.
It is now claimed by Caught Offside that Chelsea are exploring the possibility of taking De Bruyne back to Stamford Bridge, where he failed to make the breakthrough as a young player.
Although the Blues have typically targeted young signings in the BlueCo era, the possibility of signing such an icon as a free agent is something that doubtless attracts Todd Boehly and his co-owners.
De Bruyne would provide much-needed title-winning experience to a team that is still growing under Enzo Maresca.
Outside of England, there has been interest from Serie A side Como, while in MLS, Inter Miami hold De Bruyne’s discover rights while Chicago Fire, NYCFC and D.C. United have sought details of the player’s wage expectations.
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