Kevin De Bruyne Seeks New Deal After Surprise Contract U-Turn Call | OneFootball

De Bruyne’s Desire: One More Year at Manchester City?

Just weeks after announcing his likely exit, Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly urging Manchester City to reconsider their stance on his future. According to GiveMeSport, “De Bruyne wants the City hierarchy to consider a remarkable change of stance.”

It’s an unexpected twist in a narrative that seemed settled. De Bruyne’s contract is due to expire on June 30, and the Belgian had confirmed via social media on April 4 that he would be leaving after the club declined to engage in extension talks. Yet his form since returning from injury has raised eyebrows—and perhaps even doubts within the corridors of power at the Etihad.

After netting the winner against Wolves on Friday, De Bruyne said: “I showed I can still play here [in the Premier League] otherwise I don’t do what I have done in these last four or five weeks.” That form, and that quiet defiance, has reopened a conversation that many thought had been closed.

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De Bruyne’s Desire to Stay Rooted in Performance

Now 33, De Bruyne remains one of City’s most important players. His leadership, technical mastery, and eye for a killer pass haven’t waned. While the pace of City’s attack may have evolved, their No. 17 still dictates tempo and unlocks games with the ease of a man playing chess while others sprint around him.

“Obviously I know I’ve got one game left here [at the Etihad], but I just try to do my job like I’ve always done,” he said. “I give everything and I want to win the game.” For City fans, that’s the essence of De Bruyne: unswervingly professional, quietly brilliant.

It’s no surprise then that, according to GiveMeSport, he would “seriously consider” remaining at the club if offered the chance, so long as he stays fit and remains central to Pep Guardiola’s plans through the end of the season.

Other Options Wait in the Wings

Should City stand firm, there will be no shortage of suitors. MLS appears to be De Bruyne’s preferred landing spot, with GiveMeSport noting that San Diego FC, Chicago Fire, and Inter Miami have all shown interest. Chicago Fire, in particular, are reportedly in talks with his entourage, while Inter Miami’s designated player slots currently block their move.

Saudi Arabian clubs have also expressed interest and are said to be preparing lucrative offers, but De Bruyne’s preference, for now, remains either staying at City or heading stateside.

City, meanwhile, are weighing up replacements should the U-turn not materialise. With a £100m move for a marquee No.10 now off the table, the focus has turned to Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, a player of potential but with plenty still to prove at the elite level.

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Timing and Sentiment Complicate City’s Next Move

City now face a delicate decision. De Bruyne is not just another senior player—he is arguably the greatest midfielder in the club’s history, a talisman of the Guardiola era. The club has already bid farewell to legends like David Silva and Sergio Agüero in recent years. Letting De Bruyne go may feel inevitable from a squad-planning perspective, but emotionally and tactically, it’s anything but straightforward.

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For City supporters, this latest update from GiveMeSport stirs both pride and frustration. Pride, because De Bruyne continues to deliver when it matters. The way he has bounced back from injury to dictate games—still making defenders look flat-footed and midfielders chase shadows—proves he’s far from finished.

Frustration, though, because it shouldn’t take a string of good performances for the club to realise what they have. De Bruyne is not just part of this team—he defines it. His intelligence, timing, and chemistry with the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden can’t be bought.

If the player is willing to stay fit, contribute, and even reduce his demands, why not give him that extra year? Younger players will come, but there’s still no one in the squad who can do what Kevin does. Replacing him won’t be easy, nor should it be rushed.

Losing legends is always painful, but this one still feels avoidable. Let’s hope the club realises it before it’s too late.