Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has stirred transfer speculation by openly inviting Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne to join the newly crowned Premier League champions this summer.
The Egyptian winger made the bold statement during a post-season interview with Sky Sports, as rumors intensify over De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City. With the Belgian playmaker set to leave the Etihad when his current contract expires in June, Salah’s comments have sparked excitement among Liverpool fans and pundits alike.
“I want to tell him congratulations for your career,” Salah began, acknowledging De Bruyne’s illustrious spell in English football. “He’s done a phenomenal job at City, and he was great for the league. I really wish him the best… and we have a space for him!”
The 32-year-old De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders of all time, has already hinted at a possible move away from Manchester City, even leaving the door open to joining one of City’s rivals — a move that would send shockwaves through English football.
While Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have reportedly shown interest in luring De Bruyne to the United States with lucrative offers, Salah’s public pitch now adds Liverpool into the conversation. The idea of De Bruyne donning the red shirt of City’s fiercest rivals may have once seemed far-fetched, but the Belgian’s own words in recent weeks suggest a willingness to entertain new challenges — even in England.
De Bruyne’s tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, he has played a central role in City’s domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola. His silverware collection includes:
- 6 Premier League titles
- 2 FA Cups
- 5 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League trophy (2023)
Alongside the trophies, De Bruyne has consistently delivered individual brilliance — orchestrating attacks with unmatched vision, precision passing, and leadership on the pitch. His 112 Premier League assists put him among the top creators in league history.
However, injuries in recent seasons have slightly diminished his playing time, and with City reportedly planning a squad refresh under Guardiola, De Bruyne’s potential departure appears increasingly likely.
In a recent interview, De Bruyne acknowledged the possibility of exploring new opportunities, even within England.
“I’ve had a fantastic time at Manchester City, but every career has its phases,” De Bruyne said. “I wouldn’t rule out staying in England, even if it’s with another club.”
Those comments have fueled speculation about a sensational switch to another Premier League giant — and Salah’s message could be Liverpool’s subtle opening gambit.
The Reds, who were officially confirmed as 2024/25 Premier League champions last week under Arne Slot’s guidance, are said to be in the market for experienced, high-impact players to strengthen their midfield ahead of a Champions League return.
Liverpool’s midfield saw significant changes last summer, with several young players integrated into the squad. While the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have performed admirably, the team still lacks a seasoned playmaker of De Bruyne’s caliber — someone with proven leadership and big-match experience.
Bringing in De Bruyne would not only bolster the squad but also send a powerful message to rivals, particularly Manchester City, from whom they would be acquiring one of the league’s most influential stars of the past decade.
Salah’s admiration for De Bruyne appears genuine. The Egyptian has previously spoken highly of the midfielder’s consistency and professionalism.
“Kevin is one of the smartest players I’ve faced,” Salah once said in a prior interview. “He always seems two steps ahead.”
While some City supporters might view a potential move to Liverpool as betrayal, others understand the realities of professional football — especially for a player nearing the twilight of his career who may be seeking one last big challenge.
From City’s perspective, letting De Bruyne go on a free transfer would be a symbolic passing of the torch to a younger generation, with Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, and new signings expected to take on more prominent roles in midfield.
For now, no official offers have been reported, and De Bruyne has remained tight-lipped about his next destination. However, Salah’s carefully worded invitation has added fuel to the fire and will likely dominate transfer headlines in the coming weeks.
With the summer window approaching, Liverpool fans will watch closely to see if their club makes a formal approach — and whether De Bruyne, one of City’s all-time greats, could make the most dramatic Premier League switch in recent memory.
As Salah said with a knowing smile, “We have a space for him.”
