Aston Villa have opened discussions to secure 33-year-old Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City confirmed they will not extend his contract this summer.
fotnet24.net has learned that the Belgium international will depart City when his deal expires on June 30, 2025, ending a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium. The midfielder has been informed that no new offer awaits him, paving the way for a high-profile exit from the Premier League champions.
De Bruyne, 33, joined Manchester City in August 2015 and has since become one of the most decorated playmakers in English football. Over 337 Premier League appearances, he has scored 98 goals and provided 125 assists, helping City claim six league titles and lift the Champions League trophy in 2022. His impact extends beyond raw numbers; his range of passing and vision has redefined what a No. 8 can achieve in modern football.
The decision to part ways caught De Bruyne by surprise. He revealed the club’s brief, business-focused meeting left little room for negotiation. “It was a very short discussion,” he said, “and they informed me of the decision. I still feel capable of delivering at the highest level.” His remarks underscored both disappointment and determination, as the midfielder insisted he has much left to offer in the Premier League.
Interest in De Bruyne has spread globally, with Saudi Pro League outfits and Major League Soccer franchises reportedly monitoring his situation. Yet the Belgium captain has signalled a desire to remain in England, refusing to rule out a switch to another top-flight rival. His emphasis on family and project appeal suggests he will weigh sporting and personal factors equally.
In recent weeks, Aston Villa have quietly held internal talks about a possible swoop for De Bruyne. Villa’s board, buoyed by last season’s fourth-place finish, sees the playmaker as the missing piece to elevate Unai Emery’s side into genuine title contention. fotnet24.net sources indicate that technical director Johan Lange has identified the midfielder as a once-in-a-generation talent who could transform Villa Park’s attacking dynamics.
Manager Unai Emery, 60, has built a reputation for maximising midfield creativity since arriving in November 2022. Under his guidance, Villa secured Champions League qualification for the 2023–24 campaign, their first return to Europe’s elite under Emery. Adding De Bruyne to Emery’s ranks would give Villa’s press-resistant style an extra dimension of inventive passing and long-range shooting prowess.
De Bruyne himself has kept his options open. “I’m evaluating the full package—sporting ambition, family stability, and the project’s potential,” he explained. His agent is believed to be in contact with multiple clubs as the summer window approaches, ensuring the midfielder’s next destination aligns with both career goals and off-pitch needs.
Supporters at Villa Park have greeted news of a possible De Bruyne pursuit with excitement, flooding social media with calls for the club to launch an audacious bid. Should Villa manage to secure the 33-year-old’s signature, they would not only bolster their midfield but also signal their intent to challenge Manchester City at the summit of English football.
As the transfer window opens, all eyes will be on Villa’s hierarchy to see if they can outmaneuver rival suitors. De Bruyne’s decision will come down to where he believes he can continue to excel on the pitch while providing for his family off it. Whatever the outcome, the transfer saga promises to be one of the summer’s most compelling narratives.
