Kevin De Bruyne sparks uncertainty at Manchester City with hint that this season could be his last

Kevin De Bruyne has admitted he’s uncertain if this season will be his last at Manchester City, revealing that he paused contract talks after sustaining the injury that has sidelined him for two months.

The Belgian midfielder’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season. De Bruyne disclosed that he had preliminary discussions with the club over the summer but has since prioritized his recovery and return to form following an abdominal injury.

The 33-year-old, who hasn’t started for City since September 18, could make his return to the starting lineup against Feyenoord on Tuesday, as the team looks to rebound from a five-game losing streak, including a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Speaking during a press conference, De Bruyne said, “I honestly don’t know. At the start of the season, I expected talks to happen, but then the injury against Brentford happened. It was supposed to be a short-term issue but ended up lasting eight or nine weeks. I decided to put negotiations on hold. I had a conversation in the summer, but I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to continue those talks. Right now, I need to get back on the pitch and find my rhythm again. There’s no rush, and I’m not worried about it.”

De Bruyne also hinted that Pep Guardiola’s recent contract extension might influence his decision. Guardiola, who has been instrumental in the club’s success, agreed to a two-year extension, securing his role as head coach. De Bruyne acknowledged that Guardiola’s presence could provide continuity but remains focused on the present.

He explained, “Pep staying could be a factor, but I don’t need to discuss the future with him. If there were a new coach, those conversations might be necessary. But I understand how Pep operates, and nothing has changed in that regard. If talks don’t happen, then this could be my last year. For now, I’m focused on playing good football.”

As City’s all-time assist leader and a key figure in their recent dominance, De Bruyne is central to the team’s identity. Despite his injury concerns, his vision, creativity, and leadership make him irreplaceable, both on and off the pitch. His influence in shaping City’s culture under Guardiola has been vital, and losing him would leave a significant void.

This is particularly critical as City grapples with injuries to other key players, including Rodri, who is out for the season. While talented players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva offer depth, none possess De Bruyne’s unique ability to change a game with a moment of brilliance.

Having delivered 26 assists in the past two seasons and with City struggling in his absence, retaining De Bruyne should be a priority. However, with veterans like Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan also nearing the end of their careers, the possibility of De Bruyne departing from the Etihad seems increasingly real.