Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne recently announced that he will leave the club in June after 10 years of service.
The Belgian international will exit the Etihad Stadium, where his creativity and supreme ability helped establish Man City as a dominant force in the Premier League.
De Bruyne is now preparing for a new chapter.
The 33-year-old still has plenty to give, as he showed with his masterful performance against Crystal Palace last weekend.
The question weighing on everyone’s mind is what comes next for one of the most influential midfielders of his generation?
Staying in the Premier League
De Bruyne has not ruled out staying in the Premier League.
He may consider an offer from an English club if a suitable offer is made.
His numbers and influence have waned this season, but the former Wolfsburg attacking midfielder would still do a sensational job in the English top flight.
De Bruyne still has superb vision and brings seasoned experience that would be a plus for many sides looking for his skillset.
The Ghent-born star might vex Man City fans, but he could do an excellent job for Premier League rival Arsenal.
The Gunners have found it difficult to secure that elusive 14th English top-flight title and could use the Man City captain’s experience.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has worked with him before.
He brings extra creativity in the engine room to break down deep blocks, which proved a problem this season.
He is also a perfect fit for the inside forward position in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation at Manchester United if he is willing to cross the divide.
De Bruyne is leaving amicably and looks willing to face City in battle. Premier League clubs should make a play to sign De Bruyne, at least on a short-term contract.
The lucrative Saudi Pro League
Several top European stars have left for the Middle East over the past two years, enticed by a league determined to boost its profile and jaw-dropping financial packages.
A move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is the next logical move for De Bruyne.
The four-time Man City Player of the Season could earn a final payday while playing in a league gaining in stature.
Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad have the resources to bring in marquee names and will be sniffing around the 2014/15 Bundesliga Player of the Year.
De Bruyne fits the bill. He is a globally recognised superstar still capable of deciding games.
He adds credibility to the SPL project.
This is an opportunity they cannot pass up.
The 2023 Champions League winner could boost Saudi Arabia’s reputation from a lifestyle and branding perspective.
His wife, Michelle, is a popular influencer with millions of followers and can help to make the Gulf region more appealing to international stars.
His potential move to the Middle East would also spur betting activity in the region, where some countries are slowly releasing the brakes on gambling.
The top Middle East betting platforms featured on www.arabswin.com/en/ would be inundated with punters eager to back whichever team De Bruyne joins.
Most Arab bettors put their money on the three-time Premier League Playmaker of the Season to finish the campaign with the most league assists.
Major League Soccer cannot be ruled out
Major League Soccer (MLS) gained international traction thanks to Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
Intriguingly, the David Beckham co-owned club acquired De Bruyne’s discovery rights, giving them the right of first refusal to negotiate a contract with him if he decides to move to America.
That was after San Diego FC reportedly passed up on that chance, claiming he does not align with their identity.
De Bruyne is a jewel and will bring more attention to the American top flight.
The Messi and De Bruyne pairing is a double act that would make headlines worldwide.
They are arguably the two best playmakers of their generation.
The prospect of both men creating chances for Suarez would immediately make them contenders for the MLS Cup.
However, another MLS club could enter the fray. Reigning champions LAFC desperately need a spark after struggling in the opening games of the new season.
New York City, a sister club to Manchester City under the City Football Group umbrella, could also swoop for De Bruyne.
He could help them clinch their first MLS Cup since 2021.
A move to New York gives him continuity and allows him to expand his legacy across the pond.
De Bruyne and his uber-social family might prefer the balanced lifestyle many players look for in the twilight of their careers in the US.
It is also a chance to help grow football in the US, building anticipation towards the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Picture credit: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
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