Manchester City Ace Kevin De Bruyne Poised for Free Transfer to Chelsea Next Season – How Did the Blues Pull Off the Move?
Kevin De Bruyne’s path in professional football serves as a powerful reminder of how a player’s potential can flourish when given the right opportunities, even after being dismissed or underestimated by a prominent club. Once signed by Chelsea, one of England’s top football teams, the Belgian midfielder found himself on the fringes of the squad. Despite his talent, his stint at Stamford Bridge was brief and largely unremarkable, as he was afforded limited playing time—making only nine appearances during the 2012–2013 season. As a result, he was never truly able to demonstrate his full capabilities or prove his worth to the club’s management at the time.
Hoping to gain more experience and consistent minutes on the field, De Bruyne was sent out on loan to Werder Bremen, a club in Germany’s top division, the Bundesliga, in 2012. It was in Bremen that he truly began to reveal the depth of his abilities. Over the course of just 36 matches, he contributed an impressive 10 goals and 10 assists. His performance clearly signaled that he had the skill set and vision to excel at the highest levels of the game. However, despite his success during the loan period, Chelsea made the decision to sell him permanently in 2014 to another German club, VfL Wolfsburg, for a fee reported to be around £18 million—a decision that, in hindsight, many consider a significant misjudgment.
At Wolfsburg, De Bruyne’s career truly took off. He not only refined his playing style but also emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most influential and dynamic midfielders. His contributions helped the team secure both the German Cup and the Super Cup. His dominance on the field did not go unnoticed—he was deservedly named the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2015. This exceptional form caught the eye of English club Manchester City, who were eager to bring him back to the Premier League. Later that same year, City secured his services for a then-club record fee of £54.5 million.
Since his arrival at Manchester City, De Bruyne has consistently performed at an elite level. Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, he has become an essential figure within the team, playing a central role in the club’s domestic and European successes. His contributions have helped City capture numerous prestigious titles, including six Premier League championships, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy. These accomplishments have solidified his status as one of the greatest midfielders not just in England, but in modern football history.
Recently, former Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole voiced his opinion that Chelsea could still benefit from having a player like De Bruyne in their current squad, despite the fact that he has struggled with injuries in recent years. Cole argued that De Bruyne’s wealth of experience, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities would bring significant value to the team. Even if he were only able to play in about 30 matches per season due to physical limitations, his presence—both in the locker room and on the pitch—could still have a profound impact.
De Bruyne’s overall career statistics further underline the consistency and excellence he has maintained over the years. With 106 goals and 176 assists in 414 appearances across all competitions, his numbers speak volumes about his influence and productivity. For Chelsea, allowing such a talent to leave remains a decision that continues to cast a shadow over the club’s transfer history, especially now that De Bruyne has gone on to achieve greatness at the very highest levels of the game.
