Kevin De Bruyne dropped a bombshell about his future when he opened the door to a sudden Manchester City exit at the end of the 2024 European Championship.
Despite reiterating his desire to maintain his nine-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, the 33-year-old would be open to leaving the club for a ‘silly amount.’
“Yes [I’ll stay at City]. I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but I haven’t spoken to anyone,” De Bruyne said while at Euro 2024, as quoted by Het Nieuwsblad.
“I saw him [Emenalo] at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn’t about that.
“I signed my contract at the right time. If there is a good offer and you tell Pep [Guardiola] that you want to leave, that is possible.
“But I have never indicated that I want to leave.
“I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… That is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends“
De Bruyne has been the cornerstone of Man City’s vast success over the past decade, establishing himself as one of the best playmakers of his generation.
His contribution to the club’s unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles has been immense, yet he only has 12 months left to run on his contract.
At 33, the Belgium international is approaching the autumn of his career, and like many of his senior colleagues, he could leave Europe for Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer.
However, it’s hard to see him leaving the Cityzens in the coming months.
Pep Guardiola warms up for his final season in charge of Man City. A fierce competitor he is, the Spaniard would probably want to waltz off in style.
As Guardiola keeps De Bruyne in high regard, he’ll probably try to keep him in Manchester for 2024/25, with the Cityzens bidding to cement their legacy as the most dominant team in the Premier League era.
It’s more likely both will leave at the end of next season.
