Kevin De Bruyne's time at Manchester City is coming to an end and clubs across Europe are lining up to sign the Belgian maestro.
With his contract set to expire at end of the current season and City opting not to renew, the 33-year-old playmaker is preparing for the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Among the interested clubs, Premier League side Aston Villa have emerged as a serious contender. Under Unai Emery, Villa are pushing for a top-five finish and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The club has already begun internal discussions about the feasibility of bringing De Bruyne to Villa Park, signalling their ambition to strengthen the squad with world-class talent.
Meanwhile, Serie A newcomers Como are also keen on landing De Bruyne. The Italian side, managed by former Spain international Cesc Fàbregas, are enjoying a strong season after their recent promotion. Fàbregas, a midfield legend himself, reportedly dreams of having De Bruyne as the centrepiece of his project.
However, a move to either club would likely require De Bruyne to accept a pay cut, as neither Aston Villa nor Como can match the wages he earned at Manchester City. Still, with the 2026 World Cup in North America on the horizon, De Bruyne may prioritize staying in Europe over a high-paying move elsewhere.
Though surprised by City's decision to let him go, De Bruyne has stated that he still believes he can perform at the highest level in Europe.
If a European deal doesn’t materialize, the attacking midfielder could consider offers from Saudi Arabia’s Pro League or Major League Soccer in the US.
SH