‘Pep Guardiola to convince Kevin De Bruyne to stay after Man City regret sets in’
Kevin De Bruyne may not yet to be finished in Man City colours after alldespite announcing his decision to leave this summer.
The Belgian midfielder’s 2024/25 campaign has been quite the rollercoaster, being extremely injury-hit at the beginning before trying to find his way back into the starting lineup.
With Omar Marmoush signed during the winter transfer window, and the Egyptian forming a partnership with Erling Haaland in the final third, it was difficult for him to get off the City bench.
However, after Man City were dealt the blow of Haaland’s injury, the 33-year-old has been given more of an opportunity for a run of games, even taking the captain’s armband for the last three league matches.
Kevin De Bruyne back to his best after Man City return
While many will view his recent performances as parting ways on a high, others will regret the club not pushing him to sign a new contract, especially after such a poor campaign across all competitions.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (19 April, 2:38pm), Tim Sherwood said during the 2-0 win over Everton: “One thing on the bright side for Man City is Kevin De Bruyne looks like he’s back to his best.”
The Citizens are still fighting to secure Champions League qualification this term, and after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and Europe at early stages, there is a clear lack of leadership.
Multiple stars who helped lead City to their six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy under Guardiola’s reign are linked with City exits, such as Jack Grealish, Ederson and Bernardo Silva.
De Bruyne, 33, was also a key component during that period, if not the most important, and his leaving would just add to the idea that the current squad is passing on the torch to the new era of players.
Pep Guardiola needs leader for passing of the torch at the Etihad
Despite a far less impactful campaign, the veteran has still notched five goals and eight assists, proving that he still has what it takes to play in the Premier League into his later years.
Even Liverpool fans have discussed the idea of signing De Bruyne, and City’s hierarchy might now just be realising how difficult it could be without the Belgian maestro in the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
This late-season flourish may just be enough to convince both sides to come to an agreement on a last-minute extension.
Although De Bruyne has announced his decision to leave Man City, there is no reason why the legend cannot make a U-turn and pledge his future to the club for the next couple of years, just as Mohamed Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, have at Liverpool.
If the 2024/25 season is a taste of what is to come while Guardiola adjusts to a new squad and a much more difficult Premier League, Man City need to do everything to keep him in Manchester.