Kevin De Bruyne couldn’t come to Liverpool, could he? It would be among the Premier League’s most remarkable transfers of all time, but some outlets suggest that it is a genuine possibility — although reports are mixed.
Perhaps the most comparable move would be Frank Lampard’s switch from Chelsea to Manchester City, but even that was at a time before the Etihad outfit had been fully established as the powerhouse it is now. For De Bruyne to come to Anfield after years of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola going toe-to-toe at the pinnacle of the sport would be breaking new ground entirely.
It would be similarly uncharted territory from Liverpool’s perspective, signing a player who will turn 34 in the summer. And yet for all the reasons why this transfer would be unthinkable, there are just as many to think it could be perfect.
From De Bruyne’s perspective, it would allow him to remain at the very highest level without even having to leave the North-West. He has appeared somewhat disgruntled at Man City’s decision to let him go and the way it has been handled, and he could prove the mother of all points at Liverpool under Arne Slot.
Looking abroad might provide the best parallel. It would be a bit like when Barcelona cast off Luis Suarez, only for him to power Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title.
Meanwhile, Liverpool would be getting one of the very few players in the world who could legitimately replace what Trent Alexander-Arnold is taking away. De Bruyne’s creative powers have not been dimmed by age.
But is this any more than Premier League fan fiction? Is there any genuine prospect of seeing De Bruyne at Liverpool next season?
Gianluca Di Marzio says yes. His report started the flurry of speculation. “The Belgian wants to stay in Europe and also has an offer from Liverpool,” wrote Di Marzio matter-of-factly. However, he also said that Napoli was placing itself in pole position.
But other outlets have disagreed regarding interest from the Reds. The ECHO reported this morning that Liverpool is currently setting its sights elsewhere, and has not made an offer to De Bruyne — it mentions Aston Villa and MLS sides as leading suitors.
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And interestingly, David Ornstein was actually asked about the prospect of De Bruyne to Liverpool around three weeks ago, before the story broke. At that time, he had received absolutely no word of any interest.
“Is this a joke, Marc?” asked Ornstein, who was conducting a question and answer session for The Athletic. “As much as I love De Bruyne and feel he is still good enough to shine in the Premier League, I don’t see him moving to Anfield!”
You sense that if Liverpool was going to make an offer for De Bruyne, Ornstein would have at least caught wind of it a matter of weeks ago. His obvious shock at the notion suggests nothing had been set in motion at that time.
In fairness, Alexander-Arnold only communicated his final decision to Slot in late March, and that might have changed the transfer thinking at Anfield. It was even later before De Bruyne confirmed he would be leaving Manchester City, so negotiations could have come about suddenly.
But on the balance of reports from Di Marzio, the ECHO and Ornstein, it looks as though De Bruyne to Liverpool remains unlikely at best. It’s an intriguing thought, but one that will be confined to the realms of the hypothetical unless there is a stunning twist to come.
