Should he stay or should he go – what’s the story Kevin De Bruyne?

Kevin De Bruyne’s Man of the Match display against Crystal Palace has ignited fierce debate amongst Manchester City fans – even more intense than when he announced he was leaving the Etihad after 10 years.

Incoming - KDB readies to launch another strike.

In the wake of City’s remarkable 5-2 come-from-behind victory, both he and Pep Guardiola remarked on how KDB had played ‘pain free’ for the first time in a while – the only agony being inflicted on Palace.

Plagued by injury over the past 18 months, De Bruyne’s performances have dipped well below the breathtaking brilliance for which he is revered, hence City’s decision not to renew his contract.

Free of the torment and discomfort of whatever ailments have afflicted him, this was vintage KDB dragging City back from the brink of a debilitating defeat, keeping his team in Champions League contention.

KDB in celebration mode - 107 goals & 174 assists for City.

The question is was it a ‘one-off’ – King Kev kicking back at those who’d put the kibosh on a new contract – or was it De Bruyne reborn?

His trademark 33rd minute strike to spark City’s comeback, along with an exquisite 47th minute assist for Kovacic’s go-ahead goal, rolled back the years – this was Captain Kev of old.

Asked whether his time in England is over after City, he said: “I don't know. Honestly, I don't know. It could be, it could be not.

"It's very hard because the decision of leaving has not been that long [ago] so nothing can be decided in a week. In the football world, I don't think everything comes in a week. It goes very slowly.

King Kev - how much longer will he reign?

"I've not even seen my family since the announcement. I need to speak [with them] and I need to see whatever team wants me, so I don't know, I have no idea, so we'll see..."

It’s one thing Kevin going to the MLS or wherever, but the prospect of him staying in the Premier League and lining up against City – it’s an unpalatable scenario previously not considered.

From the outside looking in, there’s unanswered questions – fundamental questions.

Kev & Pep together as Champions of Europe.

Pep has very publicly asserted it was City’s decision not to renew De Bruyne’s deal a fact born out by the opening line of the player’s emotional social media post, ‘Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye…’

Based on Saturday’s dazzling display should City have a rethink and offer him a contract extension?

Even in an Etihad Stadium bathed in sun and an unseasonable 70-degree heat, one swallow doesn’t make a summer – but have City been too hasty?

New, young and old - Marmoush, O'Reilly & KDB.

It’s not clear if City had any meaningful negotiations with the Belgian playmaker and goal taker – KDB chalking up his 107th goal and 174th assist at the weekend.

If so, did KDB want more than City were prepared to give to a player who turns 34-years old in June – be it in salary or length of contract?

Comparisons are being in made in some quarters in respect of De Bruyne’s situation and that of Ilkay Gundogan’s in 2023. City’s Treble winning skipper left in favour of a lengthier contract at Barcelona.

The German midfielder played in La Liga for just a season before returning to City on a free transfer last summer.

Will Kevin emulate Gundo and lift the FA Cup?

The adjustment back to the pace and physicality of the Premier League hasn’t been easy for Gundo, but he’s looking much sharper in recent times.

City’s chronic injuries mean he played more games than would’ve been envisaged, to a point where the second-year option has been triggered on his contract.

He’ll be 35 in October – older than KDB – but his experience and football intelligence will be invaluable on the training ground and in the dressing room.

So why can’t City come to a similar arrangement with KDB?

As things stand De Bruyne’s City farewell could comprise six Premier League games, an FA Cup semi-final against Forest and – with a fair wind – the mouthwatering prospect of lifting the FA Cup as City’s skipper.

Contracted until June 30th, the talismanic Belgian would be available for the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

Thanks for your assistance - Kovacic and KDB.

There’s a couple of crucial ‘ifs’ between now and then, the biggest one being if he plays like he did against Palace could King Kevin’s reign in Manchester yet continue?

By David Walker

www.readbutneverred.com

Twitter @ReadButNeverRed