As the curtain begins to fall on Kevin De Bruyne’s legendary spell at Manchester City, one of the most intriguing transfer subplots of the summer is rapidly taking shape. In a move that will surely send shockwaves through English football, reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool — yes, Liverpool — have emerged as unexpected suitors for the Belgian maestro.
De Bruyne’s exit from City marks the end of a golden era. It’s not just the stats, trophies, or individual brilliance — though there’s been plenty of that — but also the consistency with which he dictated games at the highest level. And yet, as this chapter closes, it seems another door within the Premier League could soon swing wide open.
De Bruyne Will Depart Man City at the End of the Season
For weeks now, murmurs around Kevin De Bruyne’s future had been growing louder. Despite his age — now 33 — there was a widespread belief that City would find a way to extend the contract of a player who has defined their midfield since 2015. But in what many fans are calling a cold, calculated decision, City have opted against offering an extension.
According to sources close to the player, Kevin De Bruyne has grown frustrated with how the situation has been handled. A quiet professional by nature, he’s made his disappointment known behind the scenes, while publicly remaining graceful about the club he helped lift to unprecedented heights.
As of now, his contract runs out in a matter of weeks. And barring a sensational U-turn, the Belgian playmaker will walk away from the Etihad as a free agent.
Liverpool Named as Surprise Suitors for 33-Year-Old
Enter Liverpool.
In a move that nobody quite saw coming, Sky Sports Italy and Gianluca Di Marzio have reported that the Merseyside giants have offered Kevin De Bruyne a contract, opening the door to one of the most high-profile internal league transfers in recent memory.
For many fans, it’s an eyebrow-raising development. For years, Liverpool and Manchester City have been at each other’s throats — two footballing superpowers competing for domestic supremacy, often separated by the smallest of margins. Now, one’s legend could be donning the red of the other.
From a pure footballing standpoint, it’s a tantalizing prospect. Imagine Kevin De Bruyne feeding through balls to Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah, or Luis Díaz at Anfield. The prospect is mouth-watering — but also complicated.
Would Kevin De Bruyne Even Fit in at Liverpool?
There’s no doubt about Kevin De Bruyne’s quality. The question is more tactical than technical.
Liverpool’s current midfield — reshaped since the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho — has found a new rhythm under incoming manager Arne Slot. Alexis Mac Allister has added elegance. Dominik Szoboszlai brings dynamism. Ryan Gravenberch offers power and ball progression. All three have played well, and there’s real belief that the unit can grow together.
So, where does Kevin De Bruyne fit in?
It’s a fair question, but perhaps not the right one. Because this is Kevin De Bruyne — a player who, even in his 30s, remains among the most intelligent and adaptable midfielders in Europe. He doesn’t need a team to revolve around him. He enhances what’s already there.
Slot, known for his flexibility and attacking philosophy, may well relish the chance to build his first Liverpool side around a player with Kevin De Bruyne’s experience and elite mentality.
And then there’s leadership. With James Milner long gone, Jordan Henderson abroad, and Virgil van Dijk entering the latter years of his career, Liverpool could use a new voice — someone who’s won it all and still burns to win more.
De Bruyne Has No Desire to Leave Europe or the Champions League
In the early stages of this saga, Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire were briefly linked. Saudi clubs, predictably, made inquiries too. But Kevin De Bruyne has made it clear: he’s not interested in retirement money just yet.
The Belgian international still wants Champions League football. He wants to play at the highest level, in a competitive league, and with a club that matches his ambition. That’s why Napoli’s interest — while serious — may be trumped by Liverpool’s.
Yes, Napoli are in talks. Their pitch is centered on rekindling the Belgian bond between Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to arrive in Naples this summer. But with Napoli missing out on Champions League football for next season, the move becomes harder to sell.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be back among Europe’s elite next season, and they have the infrastructure to offer both a competitive team and global exposure.
A Transfer That Would Redefine Rivalries
If this move happens, it’s not just a big-name switch. It’s a seismic event.
De Bruyne isn’t just a Manchester City player. He’s the Manchester City player of the Pep Guardiola era. A symbol of their rise from contenders to dominators. Seeing him in Liverpool red would be more than a twist — it would feel like fiction.
Yet, this is modern football. Loyalties shift. Careers are short. And sometimes, the opportunity to keep competing at the highest level outweighs sentiment.
Let’s not forget: Liverpool signed James Milner from City in 2015. And the sky didn’t fall. In fact, Milner became a club legend. Kevin De Bruyne — still operating at a high level — could be even more influential.
What Comes Next?
There’s still a long road ahead before anything becomes official. Kevin De Bruyne’s representatives are fielding offers, and while Liverpool’s interest is serious, they’re not the only ones circling. Expect more top-tier clubs to enter the frame in the coming weeks — particularly if their own summer targets fall through.
The real question now is: does Kevin De Bruyne have the appetite for one last Premier League battle, wearing a different shade of shirt?
If the answer is yes, and if Liverpool can make the numbers work, then this story could be about to take an explosive turn.
