'Any club in Europe would want Kevin De Bruyne' - Joe Cole believes Belgian has more to offer after Manchester City exit
Updated 12/04/2025 at 17:42 GMT+1
TNT Sports experts Joe Cole and Peter Crouch believe that Kevin De Bruyne still has the ability to play at the top level in the Premier League, after the Belgian maestro delivered a goal and assist in Manchester City's 5-2 win over Crystal Palace. The 33-year-old was given a standing ovation as he left the Etihad pitch, and Cole wonders if City may back-pedal on their decision to let him go.
Cole: There is no club in Europe that would not want De Bruyne
Video credit: TNT Sports
Joe Cole said that Kevin De Bruyne can still dictate games at the top level, and that no club in Europe would pass up the chance to sign him.
The 33-year-old, who is leaving Manchester City in the summer after 10 years, had a sensational showing as City beat Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad.
With Palace racing out to a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes, the Belgian fired back with a free-kick goal before assisting Mateo Kovacic in the second half as City took the lead.
It was a trademark performance, and one that showed that even if his physicality wanes, he still has the technical quality to affect games at this level.
"I'm glad he's excited, because we're excited," Cole said on TNT Sports. "There won't be any club in Europe that would not want Kevin De Bruyne in their side, if he decides to stay in Europe.
"I think he's still capable of affecting at the very top level. It would be great to see him stay in the Premier League. Stranger things have happened.
"He's a joy to watch. Today was an absolute joy. You come to the football and you want to watch players like that, it was a real privilege."
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De Bruyne was also involved in Omar Marmoush's equaliser, teeing up Ilkay Gundogan whose mis-hit landed in the path of the Egyptian to fire home.
"He's the fulcrum of everything Manchester City do," Cole continued. "He would love another few years with Marmoush. He'd have another 100 assists with Marmoush. I think next year you're gonna find [Erling] Haaland and Marmoush playing more central.
"They're not gonna have Kevin De Bruyne to produce passes, how you do you replace that?"
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Peter Crouch added: "It's an interesting decision. I know there's obviously the financial aspect, he's on a lot of money. But he still looks a fabulous player.
"Obviously injuries have hampered him, but I just think if you get half the games out of Kevin De Bruyne, it's better than someone playing a full season I would say."
Cole added that he believes the door is still open for City to extend his contract should the Belgian want to stay.
But the former Chelsea midfielder believes that De Bruyne staying in England would be good for the Premier League.
"I think there's still a possibility that could happen," Cole said. "You're always playing with something sore. You turn up at the stadium and they don't know how much pain you're playing in. It might take 10, 15, 20% off your game.
"And when you get a spell when you're playing pain-free, it's like the shackles are off, you're back to your best.
"Like I said, from a Premier League perspective, you'd absolutely love to see him stay at this club or somewhere else. You want to watch Kevin De Bruyne play every weekend."
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