Kevin De Bruyne says goodbye to Manchester City, and although he doesn’t like the situation, it’s the harsh reality of modern football, where the past doesn’t guarantee the future.
De Bruyne, one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League, joins the list of footballers who have experienced this transition. Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, rejected a lucrative offer from Liverpool, opting for the freedom to choose his next destination.
De Bruyne’s situation is different. The Belgian player has been fundamental in winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and five EFL Cups with City. With 108 goals and 177 assists in 418 appearances since 2015, his impact is undeniable.
However, upon turning 34, the club has decided that his time has come to an end.
“Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. I haven’t received any offers all year, they simply made a decision,” De Bruyne said last month.
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite being possibly the best player for City after his signing for 55 million pounds from VfL Wolfsburg, the board, including Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano and Pep Guardiola, has opted for a change.
De Bruyne scored the only goal in the 1-0 victory against Wolves, and expressed his sadness at leaving the club, but also his understanding of the decisions that must be made.
“Many teammates have said that it’s sad that I have to leave, but that’s how life is sometimes. I don’t know what the future holds. Honestly, I still believe I can perform at this level, as I am demonstrating, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne’s departure has been more commented on than that of other emblematic players. Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole said goodbye to Chelsea with a positive attitude, as did John Terry. De Bruyne, on the other hand, seems to feel that he has unfinished business at City, and that he has been denied the opportunity to complete it.
City, known for its ability to manage the departure of its great stars, has seen David Silva, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Agüero leave upon the expiration of their contracts, without any of them managing to equal their successes at the club.
De Bruyne could argue that his recent performance demonstrates that he still has much to offer, but City bases its contractual decisions on what a player can do in the next 12 to 24 months.
De Bruyne’s injuries, especially since the Champions League final in June 2023, have been a key factor. He has missed 40 matches out of a possible 109 due to physical problems, including 34 due to hamstring issues.
In the current season, he has only been a starter in 17 of the 35 Premier League matches, and his goal tally could be the lowest since the 2018-19 season.
Guardiola has praised De Bruyne’s contribution, but has acknowledged that the situation is what it is.
When a player has completed his cycle and the signs of decline appear, even the best must move on. De Bruyne, although hurt, must recognize that City’s decisions are based on the reality of his performance.
