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Kevin De Bruyne to Leave Manchester City as Free Agent at Season’s End
Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. The Belgium international’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in the summer, and he confirmed on Friday that he will leave the club as a free agent. While Manchester City supporters knew this day would come eventually, it hasn’t made the announcement any easier.
A Decade of Dominance at Manchester City
Over his ten years at Manchester City, De Bruyne has left an indelible mark on the Premier League. Joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, he became Pep Guardiola’s key player, winning 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. With 118 assists, he ranks second in Premier League history, behind only Ryan Giggs. De Bruyne shares the record for most assists in a season (20) with Thierry Henry and has created 826 chances, more than any other Premier League player since 2015.
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De Bruyne also holds the highest minutes-per-assist ratio in Premier League history (177). No player in Europe’s top five leagues has created more chances or assists than him since 2015. A Ballon d’Or finalist in 2022, he was named Premier League Player of the Season twice and won the most playmaker awards. His departure marks the end of an era for both Manchester City and the Premier League.
“A Sad Day, A Happy Day”
Pep Guardiola thinks Kevin De Bruyne will receive a statue at Etihad Stadium following the midfielder’s announcement that he will be leaving Man City this summer.
Pep Guardiola recently expressed his mixed emotions about De Bruyne’s exit, describing it as “a sad day, a happy day.” Guardiola acknowledged the difficult conversation he had with De Bruyne, stating, “It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.”
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De Bruyne echoed the sentiment in his social media post, saying, “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.” The nature of his exit remains somewhat unclear, but it’s evident that both De Bruyne and City have come to terms with the decision.
Why is De Bruyne Leaving?
Questions remain regarding the reasons behind De Bruyne’s departure. The decision to part ways reportedly came from City’s technical director, Txiki Begiristain, and manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola typically refrains from taking direct responsibility in such matters, but in this instance, he has acknowledged his role.
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What’s Next for De Bruyne?
As De Bruyne looks ahead, contact has already been made with clubs, including some from the Saudi Pro League. Additionally, San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer expansion team for 2025, expressed interest in him before the current season. However, the club no longer intends to pursue the potential signing, as the necessary discovery rights have been cleared.
De Bruyne’s next destination remains uncertain, but his future in football is sure to be one of intrigue, as he transitions away from Manchester City after an unforgettable tenure
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Whatever the future holds, De Bruyne’s place in Manchester City history is secured, and his departure marks the end of an era for both the club and the Premier League.
Catch some of De Bruyne’s best ever assists in the EPL here:
Written by: Elroy Rodrigues
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