Chelsea make De Bruyne decision as Maresca hints at transfer wish

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Apr 2025 09:04 CDT
4 min read

Chelsea are currently unlikely to re-sign Kevin De Bruyne on a Bosman deal this summer, despite being heavily linked with a move for the Belgium international.

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De Bruyne, 33, will leave Manchester City when his deal with Pep Guardiola’s side expires at the end of June and he has been tipped to secure a lucrative contract in the United States of America during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Current ETV

Kevin De Bruyne

M (C)

Man City

Kevin De Bruyne

M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€18.4M - €22.4M

Chicago Fire and Inter Miami are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing De Bruyne on a free transfer later this year, although the 33-year-old has hinted that he would like to remain in England if he receives an offer from a Premier League side.

Aston Villa have been touted as a surprise destination for De Bruyne, while Chelsea are reportedly open to re-signing the Belgian midfielder 11 years after selling him to Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg.

However, The Telegraph’s Matt Law has confirmed that Chelsea are “unlikely” to bring De Bruyne back to the club this summer, despite Enzo Maresca’s desire to sign several experienced players this summer.

The Blues boss is reportedly interested in the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Ollie Watkins amid the club’s push for a new striker, and he hinted his frustration at the lack of experience at his disposal ahead of Chelsea's win over Everton on Saturday.

"We are not [just] young,” Maresca told reporters. “We are the youngest team in the Premier League. And the second in European football. Look at the games against Brighton away and see our bench, we have three players born in 2006.

“I don’t remember years ago, for instance, when [Didier] Drogba was here and the manager changed Drogba who was on the bench. Fernando Torres? I don’t know. I don’t remember. Now we change Nico [Jackson] with 2006, Tyrique [George] from the academy. You see that? I see that."

Why Chelsea won’t sign Kevin De Bruyne

A key reason why Chelsea have decided against negotiating a deal with De Bruyne is the fact his arrival would cause a “selection headache” with Cole Palmer - who also operates best in an attacking midfield role.

The England international is fighting to rediscover his best form following a dry spell in front of goal, as per reports, and he isn’t interested in leaving Chelsea, despite rumours of a potential move to Liverpool or Manchester City.

Palmer has 22 goal contributions in 40 appearances across all competitions so far this season, but he hasn’t scored in his last 17 games for the club, dating back to mid-January.