Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, finds himself at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. As injuries continue to disrupt his season and his contract edges toward expiration, the Belgian star must weigh three significant options: extend his stay at the Etihad, venture to MLS, or accept a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. De Bruyne’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving City fans and soccer enthusiasts speculating on what lies ahead.

De Bruyne’s recent struggles with injury have cast a shadow over what could be his final season at Manchester City. The 33-year-old has been plagued by a series of fitness issues, including a nagging hamstring injury and persistent nerve pain. These setbacks limited him to only six Premier League appearances this season. His absence has been felt deeply by Pep Guardiola’s side, which endured a difficult run of form marked by five defeats before a lackluster draw against Feyenoord.

Reflecting on his injury-ridden season, De Bruyne acknowledged the impact it has had on contract negotiations: “Talks will come. If no talks come, it will be my last year,” he admitted before City’s clash with Feyenoord. “I just want to play good soccer again, and the future, we’ll see”. This candid admission has fueled speculation that his time at the Etihad could be nearing its conclusion.

Three paths forward: City, MLS, or Saudi Arabia

According to reports from The Athletic, De Bruyne has three primary options regarding his future. The first and simplest choice is to extend his contract with Manchester City for an additional year. The club has made it clear that the door is open for him to stay, with a contract renewal likely to be straightforward if the Belgian signals his desire to remain.

However, if he chooses to explore new opportunities, two tempting destinations await. MLS clubs, particularly the new San Diego FC franchise, are reportedly eager to secure De Bruyne’s services. The league’s growing allure, bolstered by Lionel Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami, has made the MLS an attractive option for European stars nearing the twilight of their careers.

Alternatively, the Saudi Pro League, backed by the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is ready to make a substantial financial offer. Clubs such as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are considered likely suitors. De Bruyne has expressed openness to the idea, saying, “At my age, you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career.”

City planning for future without De Bruyne?

While De Bruyne mulls over his options, Manchester City is already preparing for life without their iconic playmaker. Reports suggest that the club has identified potential replacements, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala emerging as top targets. Both players are highly sought after, and the Sky Blues would likely need to break their transfer record—north of £100 million—to secure either star.

City’s willingness to invest in a successor underscores the significance of De Bruyne’s departure. Since joining the club in 2015, he has been instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance, earning praise as one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation. His vision, creativity, and leadership have made him irreplaceable, but the club appears determined to maintain its competitive edge in his absence.