Kevin De Bruyne to Liverpool: A Smart Free Transfer for the Reds’ Next Phase | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne & The Iconic Free Transfer That Could Elevate Liverpool’s Midfield

As Liverpool approaches a summer of significant transition and a post-season as reigning Premier League champions, the midfield—long a symbol of the club’s tactical identity—is again the focus of attention that may need one or two additions. With Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to leave for Real Madrid and the creative burden of the team set to shift, the club faces a unique opportunity to inject world-class experience into the heart of the squad.

Enter Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City legend, whose contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, is widely expected to leave Pep Guardiola’s side as the club faces scrutiny over their 115 FFP charges. De Bruyne, a reported lifelong Liverpool fan and close friend of Virgil van Dijk, represents not just a luxury addition—but a potentially transformative one that could bolster the ranks of a team that will want to win more trophies instead of falling to stagnation in transition.

Kevin De Bruyne – Player Profile

Club: Manchester City

Nationality: Belgium

Age: 33 years old

Date of Birth: June 28, 1991

Position: Central Midfield / Attacking Midfield

Height: 1.81 m

Preferred Foot: Right

2024/25 Appearances: 33 (all competitions)

Goals: 5

Assists: 8

Contract Expiry: June 30, 2025

International Caps: 101 (Belgium)

Expected Fee: Free

An Experienced Game-Changer Still Operating at the Elite Level

Despite his age, De Bruyne continues to deliver world-class output, despite his team largely struggling this season. His recent man-of-the-match performance in City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace—where he contributed a goal and an assist—was a timely reminder of his ability to control and elevate games single-handedly.

In 2024/25 alone, De Bruyne ranks among the Premier League’s best for:

A Milner-Like Moment, Reimagined for a New Era

Liverpool’s history with elite free transfers offers precedent: James Milner and Joel Matip arrived on frees and went on to play crucial roles in title-winning sides. De Bruyne, even at 33, offers an even higher ceiling. Managed smartly, surrounded by high-energy options like Szoboszlai, Jones, Gravenberch, and Mac Allister, the Belgian maestro could prolong his effectiveness—à la Luka Modrić at Real Madrid.

And if his time at City is coming to a close, there’s precedent for what might come next. Andrea Pirlo was dismissed as “past it” by Milan at 31—only to become the heartbeat of Juventus for four stunning years, winning four Serie A titles and being named Serie A Player of the Year three times.

Why Liverpool Makes Sense—For Both Parties

This isn’t about sentiment. It’s about impact. While Richard Hughes and the FSG model may favour youth, the contract extensions for Salah and van Dijk reflect a willingness to maintain a core of leadership and elite performance. De Bruyne fits into that same bracket: a short-term project with massive upside, who could act as a mentor and match-winner while Liverpool transitions toward a new tactical identity.

With younger legs around him and a defined role under Arne Slot, De Bruyne could become a bridge between Liverpool’s past and its future—filling the creative void left by Alexander-Arnold, and lifting the ceiling for what this new-look side can achieve.

For a team on the brink of another cycle of success, this could be the Pirlo moment. And perhaps, finally, De Bruyne gets to wear the shirt he’s loved all along.