Kevin De Bruyne’s Future in the Spotlight Amid Manchester City’s Struggles
Manchester City’s recent slump, marked by five defeats and a disappointing draw against Feyenoord, has sparked widespread discussion. Pep Guardiola’s side has faced criticism over injuries, recruitment, and individual mistakes, but the root cause appears to be a combination of these factors.
Central to City’s struggles is the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, whose injury woes have significantly impacted the team. The 33-year-old midfielder, recovering from a hamstring issue, has missed crucial matches after being sidelined for 17 Premier League games last season. De Bruyne’s return has been staggered, with his cameo against Feyenoord marking his longest appearance in weeks.
De Bruyne’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity. With his deal set to expire in six months, he revealed ahead of the Feyenoord clash:
“Talks will come, if no talks come it will be my last year. I just want to play good football.”
Three Options for De Bruyne’s Next Move
A report from The Athletic outlines three potential paths for the Belgian playmaker:
- Extend His Manchester City Contract: De Bruyne could renew for one more year, staying at the Etihad until he turns 35.
- Move to Saudi Arabia: Clubs like Al Nassr or Al Ahli, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are reportedly interested.
- Join MLS: A move to the United States could be on the cards, with San Diego FC—a new franchise entering the league next year—emerging as a strong contender.
Guardiola Weighs in on De Bruyne’s Future
Pep Guardiola, who recently extended his own stay at Manchester City, expressed confidence in De Bruyne’s ability to decide his next steps:
“He wants to finish here at his best. I don’t think he will be here when he believes he doesn’t feel he can be the Kevin that can produce and help the team like he has done in the last decade.”
For now, De Bruyne’s focus remains on regaining full fitness and helping City turn their season around. With a crucial match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, his presence could be pivotal as the team looks to end its winless streak.
