In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City’s charming midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has taken the plunge and offered himself to the Spanish giants as his contract expires in the summer of 2025. The Belgian superstar, considered one of the key figures of his generation, is said to be pursuing his dream of playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. However, according to Spanish publication Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s response was clear and uncompromising: “Kevin, you’re too old to play.” This rejection has sparked intense debate among fans and experts, raising questions about Bruyne’s future and Real Madrid’s transfer strategy.
De Bruyne, 33, remains a rising name in world football. Since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg for £54.5 million in 2015, he has mastered the role of a modern midfielder, combining vision, sensitivity, and creativity in a destructive manner. He speaks for himself: 108 goals and 177 assists in 418 games, six Premier League titles, a Champions League Cup, and several individual awards. Although he has suffered from injuries recently, De Bruyne’s ability to command matches and perform in critical moments remains undiminished. La Liga, a league in which he never plays, emphasizes his ambition to cement his legacy at the highest level.
News of De Bruyne’s offer to Real Madrid was first reported by X, with multiple sources claiming the midfielder could cut his salary in half, with a significant salary deduction, to secure his transfer. This gesture underscored his determination to realize a personal dream, especially during his time at Manchester City. City’s decision not to renew his contract, described by De Bruyne himself as a “work” decision, opened the door to new horizons. In addition to Real Madrid, teams from Napoli, Aston Villa, MLS, and the Saudi Pro League have also been linked with the Belgian, but his move to Madrid is considered a definitive decision.
However, Real Madrid’s rejection overshadowed De Bruyne. It has been reported that the club’s justification for his age and disability is centered on his history of disability, with the Bernabéu board believing his best is behind him. This stance, with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join the club on a free transfer from Liverpool, is in line with Real Madrid’s latest transfer policy, which prioritizes high-potential skills. Despite Bruyne’s desire to adapt financially, his decision to leave demonstrates a firm commitment to this youth-oriented approach under president Florentino Pérez and new manager Xabi Alonso.
Critics argue that signing De Bruyne outright is a misstep. Despite being 33 years old, his game intelligence and technical brilliance can bring invaluable experience to a squad aiming to dominate both at home and in Europe. His ability to open up defenses with a single pass or score goals in high-profile matches can complete Madrid’s attacking star power in the UEFA Champions League, where experience often trumps youth. Furthermore, having developed as Manchester City captain, De Bruyne’s leadership qualities could fill the void left by the absence of experienced players. Fans at El X expressed mixed feelings: some praised Madrid’s forward-thinking approach, while others lamented the missed opportunity to transfer a player of Bruyne’s caliber for free.
For Bruyne, being rejected is a rare setback in an already glittering career. Even so, his reaction is characterized by calm. In his statement last month, he emphasized that he believes he still has much to contribute to the elite and hinted at his intention to continue in Europe rather than seek lucrative offers from outside the continent. Napoli, in particular, were emerging as serious contenders, with reports that sporting director Giovanni Manna had traveled to Manchester to discuss a potential transfer. The Serie A club, managed by Antonio Conte, is said to have presented an interesting project to lure Bruyne, who could be followed by Belgian stars such as Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku.
As the transfer epic approaches, De Bruyne’s next move will be closely watched. Will he find another European giant willing to adopt his talent, or will he have to reconsider his options? One thing is certain: the Belgian maestro’s thirst for success has not diminished, and his story is not yet over. The football world eagerly awaits where he will write the next chapter of his extraordinary career.
