Craven Cottage was witness to Kevin De Bruyne’s last game in a Manchester City shirt as the visitors won 2-0 against Fulham on the final day of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
Fulham fans applauded De Bruyne when he was introduced to proceedings by Pep Guardiola, summing up the respect he commands from the English game.
The 33-year-old’s future has seemed all in place for a while, with Napoli aiming to sign the midfield maestro.
De Bruyne has agreed to join Napoli and a move looks set to be finalised shortly.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Kevin De Bruyne could have to sign Man City contract to play at Club World Cup
With the Italian giants winning Serie A last season, Kevin De Bruyne has the chance to help them further cement their dominance during the following campaign.
De Bruyne’s medical at Napoli could also take place after the international break and when he returns from vacation.
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However, journalist Ben Jacobs told The Football Terrace that the Belgian could have to sign a short-term contract at Manchester City if he aims to play at the Club World Cup, initially stating: “Man City look to be busy before the Club World Cup and effectively add a De Bruyne-type player, although Omar Marmoush can cover that role. Now, you have a need to add more in midfield as Kevin De Bruyne is expected to join Napoli, that can be formalised quickly now.”
De Bruyne’s decision to play at the Club World Cup was expected in May and he might have to pen a new contract at Manchester City as his deal expires on June 30 while the tournament begins on the 14th.
“Then we’ll have to understand if Napoli and De Bruyne have any desire to play at the Club World Cup. It would require a short contract extension if that happens, I think De Bruyne has already said there’s a big chance he won’t go to the Club World Cup.”
Kevin De Bruyne unsure about playing at the Club World Cup
Manchester City fans will be hoping that the former Wolfsburg maestro agrees to play at the Club World Cup.
Bernardo Silva was “sad” about De Bruyne’s departure and perhaps the players would like to see him stay for a bit longer.
However, only time will tell whether the treble-winner will agree to signing a short-term contract with City.
De Bruyne did recently admit that he is unsure about playing at the Club World Cup recently.
The Drongen-born creator said via Manchester Evening News: “I think in a way I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do?” he asked. “Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point. So there’s a big chance probably I won’t play it, but I dunno, maybe yes.
“[The situation] doesn’t make any sense, but I think that happens when you push in new tournaments in the middle of this contract situation. But I’m just a player. I don’t make the rules, I can’t do anything about it. So in the end, like I said, I’ll probably have to take care of myself what is a normal decision. We can speak about it but I don’t know.”