Report: Kevin De Bruyne could've joined Liverpool after Man City exit

The Belgian playmaker, 33, became a free agent after allowing his contract with Manchester City to expire following ten glittering years at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool, fresh off winning the 2024-25 Premier League title, were among the clubs rumoured to be in contention for De Bruyne's signature.

As a boyhood Reds supporter, a move to Anfield would have carried emotional significance. However, while talks between the two parties did take place, a transfer was never seriously on the cards and no agreement was reached.

Had De Bruyne made the switch, he would have joined a very exclusive list of players to feature for both City and Liverpool in the modern era, alongside James Milner and Raheem Sterling.

Ultimately, the former City talisman chose to take on a new challenge with Napoli, who had already secured Champions League football by winning the Scudetto.

His departure from Manchester City came just before their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, drawing a definitive line under a decade of service.

Despite considering lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League and MLS, as well as staying within the Premier League, De Bruyne opted for Napoli to prove he can still perform at the highest level.