Kevin De Bruyne ‘ready to accept’ reduced Man City role as World Cup ambitions emerge

Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro and Manchester City’s midfield general, is now at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. As one of the finest footballers of his generation, the 33-year-old has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City setup since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015. However, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025 and his age catching up with him, De Bruyne is reportedly prepared to accept a reduced role at the Etihad Stadium. This decision comes despite significant interest from other leagues, notably the MLS and Saudi Pro League, who are eager to bring the Belgian playmaker to their teams.

In this article, we will explore the potential reasons behind De Bruyne’s willingness to stay at Manchester City, what his role could look like in the future, and the broader context of his footballing ambitions—especially his hope to represent Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We will delve into his career at City, the challenges that lie ahead, and what a reduced role could mean for his playing style, future aspirations, and Manchester City’s next steps.

Kevin De Bruyne’s impact at Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since his arrival in 2015, he has become not just the heartbeat of the team but one of the best midfielders in the history of the Premier League. His technical skills, vision, and passing range have made him one of the most influential players in world football. De Bruyne’s precise passing, ability to control tempo, and knack for scoring stunning goals have been fundamental to Manchester City’s success.

Throughout his time at the club, De Bruyne has helped City dominate domestic football. He has been involved in winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups. His crowning achievement came in 2023 when he played a pivotal role in securing Manchester City’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title. For City fans, De Bruyne has become synonymous with the club’s success under Guardiola’s stewardship, making him one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history.

Over the course of his career, De Bruyne has garnered individual accolades that further cement his status as one of the finest footballers of his generation. Whether it’s being named the Premier League Player of the Season or being included in the PFA Team of the Year on multiple occasions, his performances have consistently been recognized as among the best in the world.

However, as De Bruyne approaches his 34th birthday in June 2025, there are undeniable signs that time is catching up with him. Despite being at the peak of his career for several years, recent seasons have seen him struggle with injuries. This season, in particular, has been injury-plagued, and his physical condition has raised questions about his future. As much as his brilliance remains undiminished, the reality of his age and the wear and tear on his body are factors that both De Bruyne and Manchester City must consider when planning for the future.

Reports suggest that De Bruyne is willing to accept a reduced role at Manchester City to extend his stay at the club, despite the tempting offers he has received from the MLS and the Saudi Pro League. This decision marks a major shift in his career, as it signals a willingness to take on a less prominent role in the team, one that will likely involve fewer starting appearances and a more rotational position.

This shift could also be a recognition by De Bruyne that, while he is still capable of making decisive contributions to the team, his body may not be able to handle the physical demands of a full season like it once could. His role might evolve into that of a mentor and a leader off the pitch, while still offering moments of brilliance when he is called upon. In this new capacity, De Bruyne could still provide invaluable insight to Manchester City’s younger players, especially in high-stakes matches, while also helping to guide the club’s next generation of stars.

De Bruyne’s willingness to accept a reduced role is also linked to his aspirations to represent Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian international has always had a strong desire to play for his national team at the World Cup, and staying in a competitive environment like Manchester City will help him maintain his physical fitness for what could be his final appearance on the world’s biggest stage. A reduced role at City would give him the opportunity to rest more frequently, ensuring that he is in peak condition for the World Cup.

Moreover, De Bruyne’s decision is indicative of his loyalty to Manchester City. Throughout his time at the club, he has always been a consummate professional, and this decision to accept a diminished role reflects his understanding that his time as an automatic starter is coming to an end. The prospect of leaving City for a lucrative offer elsewhere may be tempting, but De Bruyne seems committed to staying at a club that has shaped his career and allowed him to achieve so much.

One of the key factors influencing De Bruyne’s willingness to accept a reduced role is his injury record. The Belgian midfielder has often been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and the current season has been no exception. Over the years, he has suffered from muscle injuries, knee problems, and more recently, issues with his hamstrings. These injuries have kept him out of crucial matches and limited his ability to maintain consistent form.

Injuries at this stage of his career are a natural concern for both De Bruyne and the club. Given his age and the wear and tear on his body, it is clear that he cannot maintain the same level of performance over a full season as he did in his prime. Accepting a reduced role would allow him to manage his injuries better, limiting his exposure to injury-prone situations, while still contributing when needed. By being used selectively in key matches, he can remain sharp without putting unnecessary strain on his body.

This approach is something that Guardiola has previously done with senior players in his squad. For example, players like Sergio Agüero, who spent the latter part of his career at City with occasional injuries, were used sparingly to keep them fresh for important matches. A similar strategy could be applied to De Bruyne, ensuring that he remains a vital part of the squad without overburdening him with unnecessary minutes.

Reports suggest that Manchester City is willing to offer De Bruyne a short-term, one-year extension on his current deal, but it comes with a significant reduction in his weekly wage. Currently earning £375,000 a week, De Bruyne is one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. However, City’s offer is said to be in the region of £150,000 a week, with performance-based bonuses potentially bumping up his income.

This proposed pay cut reflects the reality of De Bruyne’s diminishing role in the squad. At 34, and with injury concerns mounting, it is unlikely that he would command the same wages he currently earns, especially when compared to younger, fitter players in the squad. While the reduction may be significant, it still allows De Bruyne to continue playing at a high level, while also reflecting the club’s understanding that his playing time will be limited.

For De Bruyne, the decision to accept a pay cut may also come down to his loyalty to Manchester City. Given the impact he has had at the club, it is understandable that he would want to continue playing for a team where he has achieved so much. The chance to extend his career at City, even at a reduced salary, may be more appealing than the idea of moving to a league that may not provide him with the same level of competition or opportunities to win major trophies.

While Manchester City remains De Bruyne’s top choice, the midfielder has attracted considerable attention from other parts of the world. Both the MLS and Saudi Pro League have made significant financial offers to bring him on board, with salaries far higher than what he could expect to earn at City under the terms of his new contract.

The allure of a new challenge, a higher salary, and potentially a more relaxed playing schedule is understandably tempting. However, De Bruyne’s ambitions extend beyond financial gain. The 2026 World Cup is a massive draw for the midfielder, and he believes that staying in Europe with Manchester City offers the best chance of remaining at his peak for Belgium’s national team. In addition, the competitiveness of the Premier League and the opportunity to continue winning titles with City is something that De Bruyne likely values more than moving to a less competitive league.

De Bruyne’s decision to remain at City, despite offers from the MLS and Saudi Pro League, speaks to his drive to compete at the highest level. While these leagues may offer him a lucrative deal, they also offer fewer opportunities for top-tier competition and the chance to continue playing in Europe’s most prestigious competitions.

Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne’s long-time manager, has often spoken in glowing terms about the Belgian midfielder. Guardiola has lauded De Bruyne for his footballing intelligence, creativity, and work ethic, describing him as one of the best players he has ever worked with. However, even Guardiola recognizes that De Bruyne’s role in the team will evolve as the player ages and faces more injury setbacks.

In his recent comments, Guardiola expressed uncertainty about De Bruyne’s future at the club, saying, “Kevin is one of the greatest players to have ever played for Manchester City, but no one knows what will happen next season.” Guardiola’s words reflect the reality of football management, where players inevitably age, and their roles within the team must be adjusted accordingly.

Despite this, Guardiola has also shown a willingness to manage veteran players in a way that maximizes their contributions without overburdening them. With De Bruyne, Guardiola will likely continue to trust in the midfielder’s leadership, experience, and creativity, using him when necessary and allowing him to manage his injuries more effectively.

The future of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City is filled with possibilities, but it will likely involve him transitioning into a new role. He may not be the focal point of the team anymore, but his ability to influence matches will still be vital in certain situations. As one of the most intelligent and gifted players of his generation, De Bruyne has the experience and know-how to continue making an impact, even if his role on the pitch is reduced.

Should De Bruyne stay at City for another season, it will likely be with the understanding that his playing time will be carefully managed. This reduced role could involve him coming off the bench or playing in select high-profile matches, ensuring that his body remains in top condition for the World Cup in 2026.

For Manchester City, the prospect of losing De Bruyne is a sobering one, but the club will need to plan for the future. The transition away from De Bruyne as the centerpiece of the midfield will require the club to continue investing in young talent to take on more responsibility. Players like Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and others in the squad will need to step up in De Bruyne’s potential absence, continuing the legacy of excellence that he has built at the Etihad.

Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City is secure, regardless of the outcome of his contract negotiations. His impact on the club has been monumental, and his contributions to Manchester City’s success will be remembered for years to come. As he contemplates his future, the decision to accept a reduced role in exchange for extending his time at City reflects both his ambition and loyalty to the club. Despite interest from other leagues, De Bruyne’s primary goal remains to compete at the highest level and help Belgium in their pursuit of World Cup glory. Whatever decision he ultimately makes, one thing is certain: Kevin De Bruyne will continue to be a force in world football for as long as he is able to play at the highest level.