Since joining Manchester City in 2015, Kevin De Bruyne has become the soul of the team’s play, contributing greatly to the golden period under Pep Guardiola. However, in the 2024/25 season, the Belgian midfielder’s mark is gradually fading.
The first leg against Real Madrid was the clearest evidence of De Bruyne’s decline. He was trusted by Pep Guardiola to start. But in the 84 minutes he was on the pitch, he barely left an impression. As a result, in the most important match of the season – the second leg against Real Madrid – De Bruyne was left out of the starting lineup and not used for even a minute.
Despite being a key factor in helping Man City win four consecutive Premier League titles, this season has witnessed a significant decline of De Bruyne. Persistent injuries have caused him to lose his form. His achievements of 3 goals and 6 assists after 26 matches are really too modest compared to what he has achieved.
Now, it would not be an exaggeration to say that De Bruyne is no longer an irreplaceable name in Guardiola’s squad.
Countdown to Etihad?
Man City are in the process of rejuvenating their squad, and finding a replacement for veterans like De Bruyne is inevitable. When asked about the Belgian midfielder’s future, Guardiola answered cryptically: “It depends on the club. They will evaluate based on form, age and many other factors. I think the club needs to consider carefully.”
De Bruyne’s contract expires in the summer of 2025. The Belgian still wants to continue his association with Man City. However, in the context of the team needing a strong reform, rumors about his possible move to MLS or Saudi Arabia are increasingly appearing.
In preparation for the future, Man City have targeted Florian Wirtz as a long-term replacement. According to the Daily Mail, the Etihad Stadium team are closely monitoring the 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen talent – who has 15 goals and 11 assists this season. Bayern Munich are also interested in Wirtz, but Man City have been tracking him for a long time and are ready to speed up the deal for around 100 million euros.
If Wirtz arrives at the Etihad, the prospect of De Bruyne leaving Man City will almost certainly happen. After nearly a decade of association, the final chapter of the Belgian midfielder’s career at Man City is gradually coming to an end, marking the end of an era and the opening of a new page for the blue team in Manchester.
In the rest of the season, Man City will try to enter the top 4 of the Premier League and win the FA Cup.