Kevin De Bruyne’s Next Move Slashed as Clear Favourite Emerges After Final Man City Home Game

The Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne has played his final home game for the club in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday, May 20, marking the end of an era for one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the Etihad. The Belgian maestro, now 33, was not offered a new contract by the club, a decision he admitted left him “surprised,” and as his deal expires, he will depart as a free agent, leaving his future wide open. De Bruyne himself has remained coy about his next destination, though he has hinted at the possibility of staying in England, depending on the right opportunity.

Speaking after Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last Saturday, De Bruyne addressed the speculation surrounding his future. “I don’t know [if I would like to stay in the Premier League], it depends on who comes,” he said. “Like I said to my Belgian colleagues, I have a family and I have young kids. I have to take a decision that works for all of us, not just me. When I was 20 years old and all by myself, I could make a decision, and it would be easy, but now it is a bit more complex.” When pressed further on whether he would consider joining another English club, the midfielder responded with a simple yet telling: “Maybe.”

Despite links to Premier League sides such as Liverpool and Aston Villa, the bookmakers have now identified a clear frontrunner for his signature. According to Oddschecker, any Italian club is the overwhelming favourite at 1/4, with Napoli emerging as strong contenders in second place. A move to Major League Soccer (MLS) is also a possibility, with odds of 5/2, while Saudi Arabian clubs sit at 8/1. Spanish teams trail further behind at 10/1, suggesting that a Serie A switch is the most likely outcome for the departing City hero.

Following his emotional farewell at the Etihad, De Bruyne took a moment to address the fans via Sky Sports, reflecting on his decade-long journey with the club. “I came here with my wife to stay for a long time, I didn’t expect to be here 10 years,” he said. “We’ve won everything, we made the club bigger, and now they [teammates] are going to take over. This team will have more success, that’s for sure. I know it’s been a bit of a tough year for us, but I think this team deserves all the support from you guys. I know they are pushing really hard, and this team will be back next year fighting for all the titles.”

The magnitude of De Bruyne’s departure cannot be overstated. Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £54 million, he has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s most successful era, amassing over 400 appearances and lifting six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and the Champions League. His vision, creativity, and relentless drive have cemented his status as one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history, and his absence will leave an enormous void in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

As part of his farewell, De Bruyne was honoured with a lifetime season ticket by Manchester City, an accolade previously bestowed upon only six other club legends: Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Yaya Touré, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Agüero. The gesture ensures that the Belgian will always have a place at the Etihad, a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the club. Guardiola himself paid tribute to De Bruyne’s legacy, stating, “Kevin will get what he deserves. That is the best compliment for his incredible trajectory. What he has done with other legends in the club, it would not have been possible since Sheikh Mansour took over the club to reach another level.”

Before his final home game, De Bruyne also named his dream Manchester City XI, a lineup that sparked debate among fans due to one notable omission. In goal, he selected Ederson, while his defence consisted of Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol. His midfield trio featured Rodri, David Silva, and Ilkay Gündogan, with Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Erling Haaland forming the attack. The exclusion of Sergio Agüero raised eyebrows, but the selection was a testament to the incredible talent De Bruyne has played alongside during his time at the club.

With his future still undecided, the football world waits with bated breath to see where the Belgian superstar will ply his trade next. Will he follow the path of many European stars and head to Italy? Could a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS be on the cards? Or will he shock everyone by remaining in the Premier League with a rival club? One thing is certain: wherever De Bruyne goes, he will bring the same brilliance, leadership, and winning mentality that made him a Manchester City icon.

For now, the odds suggest Italy as the most probable destination, but in football, things can change in an instant. As De Bruyne himself said, “I will make my decision, and you guys will know when I know.” Until then, the speculation will continue to swirl, and fans across the globe will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the career of one of the game’s modern greats.

The final whistle has blown on his Manchester City career, but Kevin De Bruyne’s story is far from over. Wherever he goes next, his legacy at the Etihad is secure—a player who transcended the sport and left an indelible mark on English football. The only question that remains is: what’s next?