Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, is poised to bid farewell to the club in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025, seeking a triumphant end to his illustrious tenure, as confirmed by sources close to the player on May 15. The match offers a chance to salvage a challenging season for the Premier League giants.
De Bruyne, 33, joined City in 2015 for £55 million, winning 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, and a Champions League, with 112 goals and 171 assists in 382 appearances. His contract expires in July 2025, and talks for an extension stalled, with Saudi club Al-Nassr offering a $30 million annual deal. City’s 2024-25 season, marred by a sixth-place league standing and early exits in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, has intensified De Bruyne’s desire for a final trophy. He missed 10 matches due to a hamstring injury but has contributed 7 goals and 12 assists in 20 starts.
City’s 115 financial breach charges, unresolved since 2023, cast a shadow, with potential sanctions risking a points deduction. Pep Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2026, has urged fans to rally at Wembley, expecting 40,000 supporters. De Bruyne’s 90% pass completion rate and 3.2 key passes per game remain vital, but a 15% dip in sprint speed signals physical decline.