From our archive: 2012
De Bruyne Speaks of Dream Move to Chelsea
New Blues signing Kevin de Bruyne has revealed that his transfer to Stamford Bridge is a “dream come true” for him, and a satisfying end to a transfer rumour that has been on the sport news for a couple of years now. De Bruyne will need to keep his excitement to himself for the rest of the season, though, as the Belgian has been tasked with heading back to Belgian champions Genk on loan from Chelsea to help the side with their end-of-season push for success.
The talented youngster has signed a lengthy five-and-a-half year deal with the Blues, in a deal that shows how much faith the officials at the club are putting in his talent and potential, with the deal thought to be worth around £9 million. The 20-year-old, as the news sinks in this week, will now be hoping that as the months pass until the end of the current season, he can prove himself invaluable once more at the heart of the Genk team while watching Chelsea continue to struggle with the lack of energy and pace that has in large part held back an aging side this season.
Should that combination become a reality, Andre Villas-Boas (should he remain Chelsea manager next season of course!) may decide not to send the youngster back out on loan, despite even the player himself believing that to be the likeliest option come August.
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With De Bruyne an attacking midfielder capable of playing in a number of positions, and also starring already for his country on the international stage, the betting suggests that the youngster will break into the Blues first team sooner rather than later as they seek to continue their long-term rebuilding process amid financial trouble and the instability of the exiting old guard at Stamford Bridge.
Looking back: De Bruyne struggled to break through at Chelsea and was sold to Wolfsburg in 2014. He joined Manchester City in 2015, where he won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League before leaving in 2025.
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