Manchester City decided to release Kevin De Bruyne when his contract expired in July.
The decision was actually made weeks before his deal officially ended, with the Citizens announcing in April that the Belgium international would not be offered a new contract.
Kevin De Bruyne made an honest comment in response to what he described as a “business decision” from Manchester City, and is now proving himself to be spot on.
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Kevin De Bruyne is backing up his words with superb performances
After being told by Manchester City to find a new club, the Belgian said: “I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
De Bruyne – who Chelsea once sold – is now proving himself correct.
Two goals for Belgium in a 4-2 win over Wales on Monday saw the man born in Drongen take his tally of goal involvements to 11 in just 12 appearances for club and country so far this season.
Interestingly, despite the fact De Bruyne is now 34 years of age, he has only bettered this start to a season on two occasions – the 2023/24 campaign and the 2019/20 term.
Season Goals Assists Total Goal Involvements
2019/20 3 12 15
2023/24 2 11 13
2025/26 8 3 11
2020/21 1 9 10
2015/16 5 4 9
With Manchester City currently sitting fifth in the Premier League and relying on Erling Haaland to carry them, it does feel like it was a mistake to let De Bruyne leave.
Bernardo Silva comments also suggest the Portugal international is frustrated
Bernardo Silva was pretty vocal about the decision to release De Bruyne – who was linked to Liverpool.
The Manchester City No.20 said: “A little bit of the soul of this team is going. It’s sad. It is hard for us, we wanted him to stay with us, we wanted him to keep going.”
That was before the season kicked off, and considering no Manchester City player can boast more than three Premier League assists at the minute, Silva arguably feels even more frustrated that De Bruyne was allowed to leave.