Frank Christian
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he is unlikely to extend his tenure with Manchester City to play in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
In Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, De Bruyne led the team but was unable to prevent a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, despite City holding 79% of possession and witnessing Omar Marmoush miss a first-half penalty.
The Belgian midfielder has declared his intention to leave City at the end of this season and is preparing for an emotional farewell to the fans at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday during their last home match of the Premier League season against Bournemouth.
Guardiola’s team is undergoing a significant transition and will take a brief break following their final league game at Fulham next weekend, before heading to the U.S. for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup from June 13 to July 14.
This situation complicates matters for players like De Bruyne, who are out of contract, as European club agreements typically start on July 1 and end in June, conflicting with this competitive tournament.
FIFA has set up registration windows for players in such situations, but as De Bruyne pointed out after the FA Cup final, there are considerable disadvantages for an older player contemplating their future.
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“I believe I have to prioritize my well-being because if I get injured during the Club World Cup, what will happen to me? Nobody will be looking out for my interests then,” the 33-year-old noted. “So, the likelihood of me not participating is quite high, but I can’t say for sure… maybe I will.”
“It may not be logical, but I’m just a player. I don’t set policy; I’m powerless in this situation. Ultimately, as I mentioned, I must look out for myself.”
City is slated to face Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, and Juventus in their Club World Cup group matches before the end of June. Should they reach the knockout rounds, De Bruyne would need to sign a short-term contract extension to compete.
Where will Kevin De Bruyne be next season?
De Bruyne mentioned that he has had talks with interested clubs amid speculation about potential moves in both Europe and the United States.
Reporters specifically mentioned Napoli and Chicago Fire as possible options for De Bruyne after Saturday’s match. He neither confirmed nor denied these possibilities and refrained from discussing particular details.
“I will make my decision when I feel ready or comfortable doing so,” he stated. “That is my top priority.”
“I aim to finish these two matches before deciding, but it isn’t straightforward. I need to consider my family. I have three children and my wife, making this a more complex process right now.”
He further added: “Everything must align for my family and me. As I’ve said previously, making a decision at 20 is simple. You can relocate to any country without much hassle.”
“However, I want to ensure I make the best choice for my kids, my wife, their schooling, living arrangements, and all those considerations. Once I reach my decision, I’ll inform everyone.”
