De Bruyne U-turn? Romano reveals truth behind new Man City deal rumours

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Apr 2025 06:06 CDT
4 min read

Kevin De Bruyne, Man City, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has set the record straight on Kevin de Bruyne's future amid a torrent of speculation about his next move.

The Belgian midfielder is out of contract at Man City this summer and has not been offered a new deal. After a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad, De Bruyne will seek a new challenge after this season.

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Current ETV

Kevin De Bruyne

M, AM (C)

Man City

Kevin De Bruyne

M, AM (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€18.4M - €22.4M

There have been plenty of rumours about his next destination. For almost an entire year, De Bruyne was linked with a move to MLS expansion side San Diego, who are currently in their inaugural season.

However, more recently, it became clear that they had no intention of making a move for the veteran. Instead, the Chicago Fire have opened talks with De Bruyne, while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami hold his Discovery Rights and also have an interest in signing him. However, they currently don't have the necessary roster space.

While a move to MLS seems likely, there have also been spectacular rumours of a move within Europe - and potentially even within England. Chelsea and Aston Villa have been linked with De Bruyne, as have ambitious Serie A new boys Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas.

Romano on De Bruyne

In addition to links with other clubs, there has also been some talk of Man City making a shock U-turn and offering the 33-year-old a new deal after all.

Now, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has spoken on the matter and made it clear that the only club currently in negotiations with De Bruyne are the Chicago Fire. That said, he acknowledged that there really is genuine interest from European clubs.

"De Bruyne is leaving Man City, that's 100 per cent sure," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "Man City will not go back on their decision, so De Bruyne will leave the club as a free agent.

"I'm not aware of De Bruyne discussing with Como. Como are really ambitious, Como want to sign important players, Como want to continue with Cesc Fabregas, that's the indication, but De Bruyne is not a target for Como. They are not even talking.

"The MLS club really pushing to sign De Bruyne is Chicago Fire. Chicago want to sign a superstar. They wanted Neymar in January, [but that] was not possible because he decided to go to Santos. They want De Bruyne now.

"Meanwhile, De Bruyne is also open to discussing with European clubs, so De Bruyne will now have conversations with European clubs. Otherwise, he has an option in MLS.

"We had some reports on Chelsea maybe being interested in re-signing De Bruyne, but my understanding is that Chelsea are not negotiating with De Bruyne. Chelsea are not in advanced talks with De Bruyne, Chelsea are not working on this deal as of today, and I don't see this as a concrete possibility."

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