It’s been quite the season for Kevin De Bruyne, and following Manchester City’s recent FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, the Belgian star dropped some intriguing hints about what his future might hold.
After a decade of brilliance at the Etihad, De Bruyne is gearing up for a new chapter as his contract runs out this summer.
Leaving City After Ten Memorable Years
Last month, De Bruyne confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City when his contract expires.
It marks the end of an incredible era for the 33-year-old, who’s been a key figure in City’s success story over the years.
But where will he go next? That question has been buzzing around football circles ever since.
Potential New Homes: Aston Villa, MLS, or Napoli?
Aston Villa has been named as a likely next stop for De Bruyne, but there’s also been chatter about a move to the MLS, with Chicago Fire reportedly having first dibs on the midfielder.
Adding another twist, reports surfaced this month that his camp has been in talks with Italian powerhouse Napoli.
So many options on the table, and fans are eager to know which way he’ll lean.
Setting the Record Straight on Rumors
De Bruyne recently addressed the swirling speculation head-on.
He made it clear that he still wants to compete at a high level, gently dismissing rumors that he might be headed straight to MLS just yet.
When asked if he’s been in touch with any English clubs, he coyly answered “maybe,” keeping fans guessing.
“I want to play good football, whatever the decision will be,” De Bruyne said.
“I know you’re trying to guess where I’m going to go but I will make my decision. You guys will know when I know.”
Family Comes First in His Decision-Making
One of the biggest factors influencing De Bruyne’s decision is his family life.
He’s married to Michele Lacroix, with whom he shares three young children.
“I don’t know, it depends who comes. Like I said to my Belgium colleagues, I have a family, I have young kids.
I have to make a decision that suits all of us, not just me,” he explained.
He reflected on how different things were when he was younger and single, compared to now when family needs play a huge role.
“When I’m 20 years old and all by myself, I can make a decision that is very easy. But now it’s a bit more complex.”
Talks Are Underway, But Timing Is Key
When pressed on whether he has been in contact with clubs ahead of his contract’s end, De Bruyne smiled and confirmed, “Yeah, of course.”
Yet when asked about when he might reveal his next move, he remained tight-lipped: “Whenever I’m ready to make one.”
Signs Point to Italy as Napoli Emerges as a Favorite
Adding fuel to the Napoli rumors, De Bruyne’s wife was recently spotted house-hunting in the Naples area.
The couple actually has personal ties to the region, having tied the knot in Sorrento, not far from Naples.
Napoli, sitting at the top of Serie A with just two matches to go, could offer an exciting new challenge for the midfielder.