Kevin De Bruyne's departure from Manchester City is now all but confirmed, but what comes next for the Belgian midfield maestro may be even more surprising.
In a development few saw coming, reports have linked De Bruyne with a potential move to Premier League rivals Liverpool, in what would be one of the most shocking transfers in recent memory.
A Decade of Glory Nears Its End
After ten years of brilliance in Manchester, during which he helped City dominate English football with six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, De Bruyne is expected to leave the Etihad this summer at the age of 33.
His exit marks the end of an era for Pep Guardiola’s side, where De Bruyne played a central role in shaping City into a European powerhouse.
Liverpool Rumours Spark Major Reaction
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Liverpool are ready with a formal offer for De Bruyne, even as The Liverpool Echo reports otherwise. While no official confirmation has emerged, the speculation alone has generated massive buzz given the rivalry between the two clubs.
With Arne Slot set to take over from Jürgen Klopp, the Dutchman is reportedly keen to bring in elite experience and few names carry more weight than De Bruyne.
Napoli Monitoring the Situation
Serie A side Napoli are also believed to be monitoring De Bruyne’s situation closely. Under Antonio Conte, the Italian club is building a new-look side and sees De Bruyne as a marquee signing. Napoli have already brought in Premier League talent like Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay, and Billy Gilmour.
Emotional Ties and Financial Hurdles
Although De Bruyne supported Liverpool as a child, his deep connection with Manchester City after a decade of service could be a major obstacle to any move. Additionally, Liverpool have already committed substantial financial resources to contract extensions for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Still, if a deal can be struck, the move would be one of the most headline-grabbing of the summer.
