Potential injury may sideline De Bruyne from Club World Cup participation: Concern mounts over his availability
Sound Off: De Bruyne Hints at Skipping Club World Cup Amid Contract Uncertainty
Kicking up a storm, Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne has raised eyebrows by casting doubts over his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup, fearing an injury could jeopardize his impending departure from the premier Premier League club.
As his current contract with City winds down at season's end, the Belgian playmaker is mulling over his future moves, but the potential for a short-term extension has left him in a bind. The Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States this summer, has expanded from seven teams to an astounding 32, and FIFA has rolled out a unique short-term transfer window to accommodate this change.
This special window, running from June 1 to June 10, gives players like De Bruyne an opportunity to join teams participating in the competition, even if their contracts expire on June 30. However, the risk of a serious injury during the tournament poses a significant obstacle for players looking to secure future transfers.
If De Bruyne decides to skip the Club World Cup, he'll part ways with City emptyhanded following Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, marking the end of an era after 10 years and 14 major trophies. Reflecting on the season, he acknowledged the team's failure to retain the Premier League title this season but remained hopeful for the future: "You have to accept it. You have to move on and work hard and go again. It's alright."
However, with two games remaining this season, De Bruyne needs to weigh his options carefully. "I have to take care of my family," he admitted, referring to his wife and three children. "It's not an easy process at this time."
It remains to be seen whether De Bruyne will join another Premier League team but, one thing's for sure, the short-term transfer window ahead of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup is causing a stir and could significantly impact the future of high-profile players like him.
Follow James Robson on Twitter for the latest soccer updates. Visit our AP News soccer hub for more on the English Premier League.
In light of the upcoming Club World Cup expansion and the unique short-term transfer window, Toronto news outlets are speculating about Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne's potential decision to skip the tournament, fearing an injury could affect his transfer to European leagues, particularly the Premier League. With his contract with City ending soon, De Bruyne's future moves remain uncertain, and the news of his possible absence from the Club World Cup is creating a storm in the sports world. Meanwhile, De Bruyne's focus remains on the remaining two games of the current season, with the fate of his football career hanging in the balance.