Latest developments
- Aston Villa will support Unai Emery in a potential pursuit of Kevin De Bruyne.
- De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
- He has been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and MLS.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Aston Villa to support Emery in De Bruyne pursuit
De Bruyne is searching for a new club, with his Man City contract set to expire this summer. The Saudi Pro League has been mentioned as a potential destination, while Inter Miami and Chicago Fire could present him with the chance to head to the MLS.
According to Football Insider, De Bruyne could now be given the chance to stay in the Premier League by Aston Villa.
The report claims that the club will back head coach Unai Emery if he wants to make an effort to sign De Bruyne this summer.
Value (4.5/5): De Bruyne set to leave Man City
Villa would only have to concern themselves with the player's wage demands and a potential signing-on fee, with De Bruyne set to become a highly sought-after free agent when his contract runs out at the end of June.
Suitability (2.5/5): Risk and reward
The Villans will surely have concerns over the player's injury record, which have probably contributed to his dip in form this season.
Villa will also be mindful that the 33-year-old is in the latter stages of his career, but still has the ability to produce at a high level, even if such performances are not as frequent as they once were during his peak.
Upgrade? (3/5): Asensio replacement
Emery could view De Bruyne as someone who could replace Marco Asensio if they fail to sign the Paris Saint-Germain loanee on a permanent deal this summer.
With that said, Villa could look to sign a younger attacker who has the potential to be a feature in the team for the long term, rather than recruiting De Bruyne for a season or two.
Logic (2/5): Likely to leave Premier League
De Bruyne may be reluctant to join another Premier League club when he leaves Man City, especially as there could be more lucrative offers on the table for him to continue his playing career elsewhere.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
De Bruyne would add a vast wealth of experience to the Villa squad, but we do not think it is likely that the Belgian will join Emery's side this summer, with a move to the MLS or Saudi Pro League looking like a more strong possibility.
