Manchester City could rue their decision to allow Kevin De Bruyne to leave the club at the end of the season, says Joe Cole.
De Bruyne is out of contract following the current campaign, and he has already announced that he will not don City colours next season. It's the end of a prosperous era for both the club and the player, as De Bruyne has helped the Sky Blues win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cup titles and a Champions League crown.
The 33-year-old is considered among the best players of his generation, but he will not continue his tenure at the Etihad Stadium as City are set to undergo a squad overhaul this summer.
Cole, who won many of the same trophies during his own playing career, believes City are making a "big mistake" by not doing what they can to hold on to De Bruyne. The retired Chelsea, West Ham and England star cited De Bruyne's pedigree and experience as reasons for City to keep the Belgian, with Cole stressing that the four-time Manchester City Player of the Season's presence would be valuable for a rebuilding side.
"Every Premier League club needs Kevin De Bruyne," Cole told Paddy Power. "I think it’s incredible that he’s been allowed to walk out the door at Manchester City. Since Pep Guardiola joined, City have been faultless in the transfer market, but up until two years ago, I think they’ve made many mistakes. From letting Julián Alvarez go, letting İlkay Gündoğan go and then bringing him back, also getting rid of Cole Palmer, I think they’ve made quite a few mistakes.
“If Kevin De Bruyne was to stay in the Premier League, this would be another big mistake from City as I think he’s got a good few years left in him, and every club would want him. I’d personally love to see him at Chelsea. I’d love to see him being that player that walks into that dressing room and helps the players, especially the younger ones.”
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