Aston Villa have reportedly held internal discussions over a stunning move for Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, as the Belgian international prepares to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season. The 33-year-old is set to become a free agent after announcing he will not extend his contract with City, sparking a wave of interest across Europe and beyond.

According to Sky Sports, Villa are assessing the feasibility of signing De Bruyne as part of their ambitious summer recruitment strategy under manager Unai Emery. With De Bruyne believed to prefer staying in England for family reasons, Villa Park could represent an ideal destination for the midfielder, who is seeking a fresh challenge after nearly a decade of dominance with Pep Guardiola’s side.

De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015 from Wolfsburg for £54.5 million and has since etched his name into Premier League history. Across 417 appearances, he has scored 107 goals and played a pivotal role in winning 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League crown.

While Villa’s interest is genuine, they are not alone in the race. A number of MLS clubs including Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC, and D.C. United have reportedly made enquiries into De Bruyne’s availability and financial expectations. In Italy, Serie A side Como, now managed by former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, are also monitoring the situation closely.

A move to Aston Villa would be a statement signing for the club, signaling their intent to consistently compete among the Premier League elite. The Birmingham-based side has already pulled off notable signings in recent windows, including Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, and has shown steady progress under Emery, including strong domestic and European performances this season.

With the summer transfer window approaching and De Bruyne's future wide open, the midfielder's next move will be one of the biggest stories of the off-season. Whether he remains in the Premier League or opts for a move abroad, Aston Villa's early interest positions them firmly in the conversation for one of the most decorated players of his generation.