Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne might leave Manchester City in 2025, and fans believe they know where the duo will go next. Guardiola made history by winning Manchester City’s fourth straight Premier League title, with De Bruyne playing a key role despite injuries limiting his playing time this season. The Belgian has still managed to score four goals and provide ten assists in just 17 league matches.
Guardiola and De Bruyne
Both Guardiola and De Bruyne have been with Manchester City for almost ten years, but their futures are uncertain as their contracts expire in 2025. After a recent win against West Ham, Guardiola hinted that he is more likely to leave than stay but confirmed he will manage the team next season. De Bruyne is also rumored to be a target for Saudi Arabian clubs, along with Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker.
However, fans are speculating about a different destination for Guardiola and De Bruyne at the end of their contract with New York City FC. Twitter user @RealTomie suggests that a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) is possible, as New York City FC executives are keen to start a new era with a new stadium. The club, owned by the City Football Group, currently plays at Yankee Stadium, primarily a baseball venue. Construction of their new stadium is set to begin this summer and will take about 30 months to complete.
Reports indicate that Guardiola, who has previously lived in New York, could return to the city, potentially bringing De Bruyne with him. “New York’s new stadium and developments, CFG’s £1bn investment, World Cup, brand enhancements, easy paydays for PEP and KDB who love New York and don’t want to go to a rival,” Tolmie mentioned on Twitter.
Fans believe City might be preparing for Guardiola’s departure by considering Xabi Alonso as his replacement. “It’s not a coincidence Alonso was expected to leave this season but signed on for another year. The same 25/26 season when we may need to replace Pep! City had Pep lined up a year in advance, so I suspect we already know Pep’s decision and have his replacement ready,” one fan wrote.
Another fan commented that MLS and New York City FC, part of the CFG umbrella, are perfect for both Guardiola and De Bruyne. “Going to any other team now wouldn’t benefit Pep’s career. Very little stress in MLS,” they added. “Everybody was saying Kev would go to Saudi, but I thought the USA, and Pep won’t quit football, so he’ll stay with CFG,” another fan agreed.
City Football Group co-founded New York City FC in 2013, with the club playing its first MLS season in 2015. They won their first MLS Cup in 2021 and are currently managed by former Manchester City women’s manager Nick Cushing.
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What are the plans of Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City?
- Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne might leave Manchester City in 2025 when their contracts expire. Fans speculate they might move to New York City FC.
Why are fans speculating a move to New York City FC for Guardiola and De Bruyne?
- Fans believe New York City FC is preparing for a new era with a new stadium and that Guardiola and De Bruyne would fit well into this plan. Guardiola has lived in New York before and might prefer returning there.
What are the current achievements of New York City FC?
- New York City FC, co-founded by the City Football Group in 2013, played its first MLS season in 2015 and won its first MLS Cup in 2021.
Who might replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?
- Fans speculate that Xabi Alonso could be lined up to replace Guardiola if he leaves, given Alonso’s recent contract extension and the timing with Guardiola’s potential departure.
What is the City Football Group’s involvement with New York City FC?
- The City Football Group co-founded New York City FC and continues to invest in the club, including the construction of a new stadium.