Kevin De Bruyne (foto: Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne could shock the football world by staying in the Premier League, with Liverpool tipped as a surprise destination after his planned Manchester City exit.
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City this summer—but his next move might be far closer to home than expected. The Belgian icon is now being linked with a sensational switch to Liverpool, in what would be one of the most dramatic Premier League moves of the decade.
In an emotional letter to fans, De Bruyne announced his plan to leave the Etihad at the end of the season. The 32-year-old, who has scored 107 goals in 416 appearances for City and won every major club trophy, is reportedly open to a new “sporting project”—and a move to another Premier League giant hasn’t been ruled out.
“If teams come and they can convince me that something sporting is nice… I’m willing to listen,” De Bruyne told reporters recently. “I still feel I’m able to perform at a very high level.”
While earlier reports suggested De Bruyne was considering a move to MLS or the Saudi Pro League, new speculation has flipped the script. According to former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe, the Premier League legend could “be worth a gamble for Liverpool”.
“He could get a one-year deal, and wouldn’t need to play every game,” Sharpe said. “He’s playing pain-free again and could walk into that Liverpool squad for key matches. It would work for both sides.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea icon Joe Cole made a similar case—urging the Blues to bring in a veteran with De Bruyne’s experience to guide their youthful squad. “Imagine Kevin walking into the dressing room,” said Cole on The Dressing Room Podcast. “I'd say, 'whatever you want, we’ll write it off.'”
Rumours have swirled that De Bruyne may be planning what some are calling the “ultimate betrayal” of manager Pep Guardiola by seeking a new Premier League adventure—despite having once ruled out moves to domestic rivals.
If Liverpool or Chelsea were to land De Bruyne on a free, it would not only shift the balance of the title race—it would rewrite Premier League transfer history.
Written by Barbara Cerar, Editor-in-Chief at en.nogomania.com. Follow us for more stories from international football.