The story behind Kevin De Bruyne decision to join Manchester City in 2015

In the world of football, few signings have left as significant a mark as Kevin De Bruyne’s move to Manchester City in 2015.

Initially greeted with skepticism, the £54.5 million transfer has since proven to be one of the most successful decisions for both the player and the club. Today, De Bruyne is not only considered one of Manchester City’s greatest ever signings but also one of the best midfielders of his generation.

A Controversial Transfer

When De Bruyne joined City, many fans and pundits questioned the high transfer fee. The Belgian midfielder had previously been sold by Chelsea, leading some to doubt his ability to perform at the highest level in the Premier League.

Among the doubters was Paul Merson, who publicly criticized the transfer, admitting later that he did not expect De Bruyne to shine after his departure from Chelsea.

However, De Bruyne quickly silenced his critics, becoming a pivotal player for Manchester City. His creativity, vision, and ability to control games from midfield soon made him one of the most influential players in Europe.

As City transformed into one of the dominant forces in football, it became impossible to imagine their success without De Bruyne at the heart of the team.

The Decision to Choose City

Before joining Manchester City, De Bruyne was one of the most sought-after players in Europe. After a stellar season with Wolfsburg, where he won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award and set the league’s assist record, clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were vying for his signature.

Despite these offers, De Bruyne chose Manchester City, a decision that would change the trajectory of his career.

Speaking on the Official Man City Podcast, De Bruyne explained his reasoning: “It was a long process in the summer, with Bayern and PSG also interested. But City pushed the most. I felt the most secure with them, especially with how Txiki Begiristain [City’s Director of Football] handled the negotiations.” De Bruyne highlighted that while other clubs treated the transfer as a business transaction, City’s approach felt more personal. The club’s ambitious project and the sense of being part of the next wave of City’s evolution convinced him that it was the right choice.

Building a Legacy

In the early years after his transfer, Manchester City did not immediately secure major trophies, leading some to question De Bruyne’s decision. However, his perseverance and commitment paid off. Over the years, he played a crucial role in helping City dominate English football, winning multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups.

Perhaps the pinnacle of De Bruyne’s Manchester City career came in 2023, when the team secured the prestigious Champions League trophy, completing a historic treble. His contributions on the pitch have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear the City shirt.

More than just a player, De Bruyne helped elevate the club to elite status, both domestically and internationally.

No Regrets

Today, De Bruyne stands as a symbol of Manchester City’s rise to prominence. As the team’s vice-captain, he continues to be an integral part of the squad, consistently delivering world-class performances.

Reflecting on his decision to join City over Bayern and PSG, it is clear that De Bruyne has no regrets. His choice to trust in Manchester City’s vision has paid off, allowing him to become one of the best players in Premier League history, joining the ranks of legends like Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney.

In hindsight, Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to sign for Manchester City in 2015 was a defining moment in his career—one that has led to a glorious chapter filled with success, silverware, and a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.