Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City this summer but he could well remain in the Premier League after a surprising transfer link to Liverpool.
The Belgian announced last month that this would be his final season at the Etihad, having won six titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups and much more under Pep Guardiola. De Bruyne will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest ever players in the Premier League.
He has struggled with fitness over the last two seasons but that has not stopped links to Liverpool. According to Sky Sport Italia, the Reds have already tabled an offer to De Bruyne which would see him arrive at Anfield on a free transfer
Skipper Virgil van Dijk and De Bruyne are good friends off the pitch, regularly vacationing together, and back in 2022 the Dutchman had this to say about the Belgian: “Someone that I’ve never played with before but would love at Liverpool is Kevin De Bruyne.
“I think he’s unbelievable. If he would have played at Liverpool we would have gone even further than we already have. I think he’s outstanding, good on the ball, pressing, scoring, he’s got everything as a modern-day midfielder and footballer in general. I think he’s an outstanding player.”
In 2023, De Bruyne returned the praise, describing Van Dijk as a Rolls-Royce. “He’s got everything,” De Bruyne told Sky Sports as he was given the task of choosing who he thought was the best defender out of Van Dijk, Thiago Silva and Lisandro Martinez. “I know him well: he’s got right foot, left foot, speed, height, he’s a leader. Thiago is also amazing, but I just think Virgil has got that little bit more.”
Van Dijk and De Bruyne’s friendship seemingly blossomed out of a shared love for electronic music, and more specifically, Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. The pair have partied in Ibiza together during each of the last three summers, linking up with Harris on the Balearic island.
While Van Dijk’s career at the top level in Europe looks to have a few years left to run, De Bruyne’s may well be over after his impending departure from Manchester City was confirmed.
Addressing fans in a letter shared on social media, De Bruyne wrote: “Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realize where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be be my final months as a Manchester City player.
“Nothing about this is easy to write but as football players we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first.
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“Football led me to all of you — and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING. Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.
“Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I am beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports — and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.
“Every story comes to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together!”
This article was first published in April 2025. It has since been updated.
