A day ago
In what could be one of the most audacious transfer moves in recent Premier League history, Aston Villa are reportedly plotting a sensational move for Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne. The 33-year-old Belgian and City club legend is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024–25 season as a free agent, and Villa are wasting no time exploring the possibility of bringing him to Villa Park.
According to reports from The Sun, the Villa hierarchy has held internal discussions about the feasibility of signing De Bruyne, who has expressed a desire to continue playing at the highest level. The midfield magician, who joined City in 2015, has been instrumental in the club's golden era, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and a coveted Champions League trophy.
The news of De Bruyne's impending departure has stunned fans across the football world. Sources close to the player claim he was surprised by Manchester City’s decision not to offer a contract renewal. The message reportedly came from City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, and CEO, Ferran Soriano—without manager Pep Guardiola’s direct involvement—leading to speculation that the decision may have come more from the boardroom than the touchline.
For Aston Villa, currently enjoying a renaissance under Unai Emery, the prospect of landing a player of De Bruyne’s calibre could be transformative. Having recently solidified their place among the Premier League’s European contenders, Villa are looking to bolster their squad with experienced, world-class talent to continue their rise.
However, Villa are not alone in the race for the Belgian’s signature. Italian Serie B side Como, backed by Spanish legend Cesc Fabregas, have made their interest known also. Fabregas, now involved in the club’s sporting operations, is reportedly keen to bring Kevin De Bruyne to Italy. In addition, interest is mounting from Major League Soccer (MLS), with Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC, and D.C. United all eyeing the veteran star. Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr, buoyed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence, are also said to be preparing a lucrative package to tempt De Bruyne to the Middle East.
Despite these international offers, De Bruyne’s preference appears to lean toward staying in England. This gives Aston Villa a significant edge, particularly if they can secure Champions League qualification or another strong European finish this season. With a stable project, tactical discipline under Unai Emery, and the ambition to challenge the traditional “big six,” Villa could provide the ideal platform for De Bruyne to extend his Premier League legacy.
Should Villa pull this off, it would mark a huge statement of intent and could elevate the club’s status both domestically and in Europe. The move remains speculative for now, but internal discussions at Villa Park indicate that the interest is genuine—and very serious.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne’s next move. Whether it’s a bold leap to Birmingham or a departure to foreign shores, his next chapter is sure to be headline-grabbing.
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