As the end of an era quietly approaches at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne is navigating a future filled with question marks. The Belgian playmaker, who has worn City blue for nearly a decade, isn’t just preparing for his final Premier League appearances—he’s also uncertain whether he’ll be part of the squad heading to the United States this summer for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 33-year-old hasn’t ruled out making the trip, but with his contract set to expire in June, and a new club likely on the horizon, everything depends on conversations that, at least for now, haven’t happened.
In a recent interview, De Bruyne revealed he hasn’t had any formal discussions with City officials or Pep Guardiola about being part of the expanded Club World Cup roster. And while he’d like the chance to represent the club one last time on a global stage, he acknowledged that it may not be entirely up to him.
The midfielder, who has been one of Guardiola’s most reliable weapons for years, explained that the decision will likely rest with his next club—wherever that may be—and whether they feel comfortable allowing him to take part in an international tournament with a former team.
“If the team I go to next doesn’t want me to risk anything in a tournament that technically isn’t theirs, then that’s understandable,” De Bruyne said. “I haven’t really had the chat with City about it. If they want to, we can talk, but it’s all kind of up in the air.”
The Club World Cup, reimagined as a 32-team event, is expected to be one of FIFA’s major new ventures, and City will be among the headline participants. It’s exactly the type of competition where De Bruyne’s creativity and calm would be invaluable—but timing might prove to be the biggest opponent.
Manchester City fans aren’t taking De Bruyne’s departure lightly. With no contract extension on the table and no clear sign of a U-turn from the club’s leadership, supporters have begun organizing a tribute in the form of a massive banner for the FA Cup Final. The goal is to raise £5,000 to create a display worthy of the man many consider City’s greatest-ever midfielder.
It’s hard to argue with that sentiment. His vision, timing, and sheer intelligence on the pitch have made him the heartbeat of the team through its most successful period. Despite the club’s decision not to renew his deal, De Bruyne hasn’t let his performances dip. If anything, the announcement seems to have unlocked a new gear.
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