6 Clubs Kevin De Bruyne Might Play For Next Season Following Man City Exit, Including Shock Premier League Rival

is assessing his options weeks after announcing that he will be leaving at the end of the season.

His stunning showing against Crystal Palace  capped with a trademark free-kick and an assist  seemed like the perfect prologue to a fitting farewell.

 But in the aftermath of City’s 2-0 win at Everton, De Bruyne’s candid remarks suggested that this might not be the warm, mutual parting that fans expected.

“Obviously, the club took a decision,” he told reporters at Goodison Park as quoted on

 “I have not had any offer the whole year; they just made a decision. I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it.”

In words that underscore just how much the split is stinging, he added, “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level, like I’m showing. I like to compete, that’s what I feel, so I can’t say I want to quit.”

For a player who helped define the Pep Guardiola era alongside the likes of , and, De Bruyne’s exit looks increasingly unlike those of his predecessors. 

Where others bowed out gracefully, seemingly on their terms, this one carries a tinge of frustration. 

As he continues to orchestrate City’s attack with the same verve as always, fans now find themselves in an uncomfortable limbo — bracing for the possibility of seeing their greatest creator don a different shirt, possibly even that of a domestic rival. Here are five clubs Kevin De Bruyne might play for next season as profiled by

6 Clubs Kevin De Bruyne Might Play For Next Season Following Man City Exit, Including Shock Premier League Rival

MLS Club options

Inter Miami  appear to be leading the charge for Kevin De Bruyne, largely because they already own his MLS “discovery rights.” The allure of joining, , , and s strong, especially in a market like Miami. 

From a footballing standpoint, De Bruyne’s creativity and passing range would complement Messi beautifully. However, there’s a tactical dilemma here: Inter Miami already lean heavily on aging stars who don’t offer much off the ball. 

Adding another playmaker to that mix could expose them in a league known for high-energy transitions and physical play.

Chicago Fire under head coach Gregg Berhalter, might offer the most balanced footballing environment for De Bruyne. Operating within a structured 4-3-3, the Belgian could slot in as an advanced No. 8, dictating the tempo while enjoying creative freedom. 

With Jonathan Bamba offering width and Hugo Cuypers — a fellow Belgian — leading the line, De Bruyne would have reliable targets to feed.

 Importantly, Chicago’s younger and more dynamic midfield setup could help cover defensively, offering the kind of tactical stability that Inter Miami might lack.

D.C. United offers an emotional and narrative-driven option. De Bruyne could reunite with and take center stage as the new face of a franchise longing for relevance. For D.C., this would be a marquee signing reminiscent of their glory years. 

However, the club’s historically cautious approach to finances makes this move less likely. Even with recent signs of loosening the purse strings, the question remains whether they can afford — and build around — a player of De Bruyne’s caliber.

Ne York City could present a familiar environment thanks to their City Football Group ties, offering De Bruyne continuity and a similar footballing culture to Manchester City. 

On the surface, it seems like a natural fit. But NYCFC are currently in a rebuilding phase and lack the star power to truly contend.

 Head coach Pascal Jansen’s pragmatic approach might not suit De Bruyne’s strengths, which thrive in fluid, high-tempo systems. For all its global glamour, this might be the least fitting footballing destination.

Premier League stay options

According to The Athletic, De Bruyne could be willing to stay in England, even potentially burning bridges with Man City by joining competitive rivals Liverpool, who could represent the ideal blend of competitive ambition and geographical stability for Kevin De Bruyne. 

While a move to Merseyside  would no doubt ruffle feathers, staying in England would minimize disruption for his young family — something the Belgian openly prioritizes. 

Tactically, the fit is compelling. Under Jürgen Klopp (or his successor), Liverpool’s aggressive, high-tempo football would allow De Bruyne to slot into a system full of intelligent movement around the box.

 According to SkillCorner data, Liverpool have been the most active team around the penalty area this season, offering exactly the kind of offensive patterns that De Bruyne thrives in — quick combinations, overlapping runs, and cutbacks from dangerous positions. 

His ability to dictate tempo and unlock defenses from deeper on the right flank would elevate an already potent frontline.

Tottenham Hotspur, too, stand out as a Premier League club where De Bruyne could instantly become the heartbeat of the team. 

Spurs rank highest for off-the-ball runs into the penalty area that weren’t picked out — precisely the kind of movement that screams for a playmaker of De Bruyne’s calibre.

 His passing vision could transform their attack, especially with Pedro Porro’s marauding overlap and Dejan Kulusevski’s knack for finding pockets of space. 

Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic, front-footed philosophy would allow De Bruyne the freedom to roam and orchestrate, especially from deeper right-sided areas where his whipped deliveries cause chaos. 

The main question is who will be in the dugout when the Belgian makes his decision — Tottenham are still finding consistency, but the raw ingredients are promising.