Kevin De Bruyne to leave Man City: Premier League’s great creator helped define Pep Guardiola’s great team

4 April 2025, 12:39 | Updated: 5 April 2025, 07:15

The news that this will be the final season for Kevin De Bruyne as a Manchester City player does not come as a shock. But it is still a source of sadness. The sight of De Bruyne at his very best was among the most thrilling for any fan of football.

The praise lavished on him will be as great as it is deserved. City are sure to honour him in these coming months. Opposition supporters may well do the same as he embarks on his farewell tour. Most will appreciate that he is among the Premier League's greats.

Infamously, not everyone saw it coming. "I just don't see this," said Sky Sports' own Paul Merson when City signed him. "I do not see £50m for this player." Phil Thompson agreed. "Absolutely bonkers. He is a good player, but is he a great player? Come on."