Kevin De Bruyne could be set for one of the most unexpected transfers in Premier League history, with reports suggesting the Manchester City legend is seriously considering a move to Liverpool. The Belgian, who recently confirmed he will leave City on a free transfer this summer, had been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and MLS, but staying in the Premier League remains an option, making Liverpool a surprise contender. De Bruyne’s exit marks the end of an era at City, having been one of the key figures behind their dominance over the past decade. Still, he may have one final gift for the fans: helping secure a Champions League spot before he departs. With only a few games left, his performances could prove decisive.
As things stand, bookies have placed long odds of 35/1 on City finishing in the top four. Still, plenty of hopeful fans are backing the Citizens to make a late surge, particularly at the best UK sports betting sites not on GamStop. These platforms offer punters swift payouts, a wide range of EPL markets with competitive odds, and perks like free bets, deposit bonuses, and odds boosts, making them a top pick for adding some excitement when watching De Bruyne’s last dance at the Etihad and for fans hoping to back the Belgian’s potential final gift to the club. Regardless of how the season ends, De Bruyne will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever wear the shirt, his legacy etched into the fabric of the club, and his name forever cherished by City fans.
However, De Bruyne’s impending exit comes with a sense of emotional weight, and the uncertainty over his next move only adds to the drama. Several elite clubs have been linked with the Belgian: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, among them. Yet it’s the rumours of a shock switch to Liverpool that have truly stunned fans. According to Belgian outlet De Standaard, the idea of De Bruyne joining one of City’s fiercest rivals represents a seismic shift, especially for a player who has been at the heart of the club’s era of dominance under Pep Guardiola. For City supporters, watching him wear red next season would be a hard pill to swallow, no matter how much respect they hold for everything he’s given the club.
Several factors seem to be influencing his thinking. De Bruyne, now 33, is reportedly not ready to wind down his career in less competitive leagues like Saudi Arabia, despite significant financial incentives. Instead, he appears focused on continuing to play at the highest level of European football. A move to Anfield would offer the chance to stay in the Premier League while remaining close to home, both professionally and personally.
Personal reasons are also influencing this potential transfer. Liverpool holds sentimental value within De Bruyne’s family, as the Reds were his grandfather’s favourite team. While emotional ties rarely dominate football decisions, they can still play a part. Relocating abroad may also be unappealing at this stage, with his wife and children already settled in England. Staying put could offer stability for his family, a factor that might tip the balance when it comes to choosing his next move.
Another factor behind the potential move is De Bruyne’s competitive drive. After battling injuries earlier in the season, he returned strongly, including a standout performance against Crystal Palace. Back to full fitness, he seems more motivated than ever to compete at the highest level. Rather than winding down, he may see this as the perfect moment to embrace a new challenge and remain at the heart of Premier League football.
The idea of joining Liverpool might seem surprising given the rivalry with City, but if his relationship with the club has cooled and staying close to family is a priority, the move starts to add up. On the pitch, De Bruyne would bring vision, leadership, and experience to a Liverpool midfield that has seen plenty of change. His arrival could help fill the void left by departing veterans and add proven quality to a side still chasing domestic and European success.
There’s also the question of how Liverpool fans would react to such a high-profile signing from a direct rival. While tensions between the two fan bases run deep, the chance to sign a player of De Bruyne’s calibre could outweigh any initial pushback. His winning mentality and track record in the Premier League are hard to ignore, and landing him without a transfer fee would be a rare coup for Liverpool.
For now, the situation remains fluid. De Bruyne has admitted his decision to leave City is still fresh, and he has yet to speak in detail with his family. Still, signs are pointing to more than just speculation, his ties to Liverpool, his desire to stay competitive, and possible frustration at City all hint that this story has more to unfold. A move to Anfield would not only shake up the Premier League but also rewrite the final chapter of one of its most decorated midfielders of all time.