All signs are pointing towards the end of Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City | OneFootball

Throughout Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City, he has risen to become a legend of the club. There’s no other fitting way to describe De Bruyne’s time at the world champions. He has played a significant role in City’s era of dominance during his time at the club.

But as we have seen with Manchester City this season all eras end. Pep Guardiola’s side has fallen from their perch and the rebuild is underway. The same can be said about the City career of Kevin De Bruyne. He does appear to be at the end of the road as a top-level contributor for Manchester City. That’s not a harsh call to make it’s just obvious to see that De Bruyne’s legs and body aren’t what they were. Pep Guardiola spoke about why De Bruyne didn’t start against Real Madrid ahead of City’s clash with Liverpool and his comments do appear to be a sign that De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City may be coming to an end.

When asked why De Bruyne didn’t start at the Bernabeu on Wednesday Pep Guardiola explained: ” Decisions. My decision. Yeah, of course [he can still play in big games], he played against Madrid at home, of course he can play.”

“The relationship with Kevin De Bruyne is exceptional. I can’t be thankful enough for what he’s done for me, the team, everyone. It’s just a decision.”

“Normally I don’t speak with players, not just Kevin, on why they don’t play. They don’t ask me why when I decide to let them play from the beginning or during.”

“It’s just a decision from what I’ve seen, for many reasons, a few. Never ever is it personal, never ever I’m upset.”

“Also, Jeremy [Doku] didn’t play, and his last game was in Ipswich, [when he] played unbelievable, and after that was injured.”

“But maybe for the demands, the way we now need to play because of the absences or strengths that we have and physicality and many things, we need a game of more control and not up and down.”

“Don’t tell me why. It’s not personal, I decide the decisions, that’s all, no more than that.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments do appear to be telling in regards to Kevin De Bruyne’s future.

Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City is closer to the end than the beginning. That’s obvious to see. But when the end arrives is becoming the story. Listening to Guardiola speak you do sense that it may come at the end of the season. The game has shifted, and this season, we have seen Manchester City’s squad struggle under the weight of injury and fitness issues. They can’t be caught in the same situation during next season and beyond. Injuries will happen but City can’t be in a situation where certain players just can’t be relied upon. Based on this alone you do get the sense that Manchester City and Kevin De Bruyne may part ways at the end of this season. John Stones also falls into this category.

That is where De Bruyne’s future appears to be heading at this stage. That isn’t confirmed but Guardiola’s most recent comments do appear to be telling. The hope is that if we are witnessing the closing stages of De Bruyne’s Manchester City career he can show some glimpses of the magic he is capable of on the run home.