Manchester City fans are still gutted following the announcement from Kevin De Bruyne two weeks ago that he is leaving the club this summer.
Kevin De Bruyne will depart as a free agent, after 10 years at the Etihad Stadium.
There has been some frustration over this situation, after Pep Guardiola revealed De Bruyne leaving was a club decision.
De Bruyne has also confirmed that City did not offer him a new contract, as much as he felt he had more to give.
Over the past couple of weeks, there has been much speculation as to which club will sign De Bruyne on a free transfer.
As has been the case for a while now, there’s interest from Saudi Arabia, with Neom SC keen to snap up De Bruyne.
De Bruyne is also reported to be open to joining Chicago Fire.
But a major claim was made yesterday, with Aston Villa reportedly now weighing up a potential swoop for the player this summer – and it has prompted quite the reaction within the City fanbase.
Man City fans react as Aston Villa eye shock Kevin De Bruyne free transfer
The prospect of De Bruyne actually playing against Manchester City is not something many fans want to even consider for a second.
But with the player feeling like he still has a lot to give, and City happy to let him go, there is a very real possibility now that he stays in the Premier League.
De Bruyne is said to have reservations about uprooting his family, so Villa may just be a genuine option.
That said, it is up for debate as to whether Villa could match his wage demands.
On social media, the claim about Villa’s interest has left some City fans very surprised – and also a little uncomfortable.
@RickieNRorie said: “Would be a madness if this happens.”
@SxrgioSZN said: “ain’t no way.”
@DanKeley added: “That made me feel a little ill. Please don’t Kev.”
@patelsahil2002 said: “My heart hurts.”
Man City players who joined Premier League clubs on free transfers
It really will be fascinating to see if Villa make a genuine push to sign De Bruyne on a free transfer.
Villa are a great side, and there is genuinely a very real possibility that De Bruyne would shine in their team despite his advancing years.
De Bruyne would not be the first player to leave City for another Premier League club on a free transfer.
It hasn’t happened for a while, but we’ve previously seen the likes of Pablo Zabaleta (West Ham United), Willy Caballero (Chelsea), James Milner (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Everton) remain in the top-flight after departing the Etihad.
Micah Richards also made the exact same move De Bruyne could soon make, joining Villa on a free transfer in 2015.
