Florent Malouda urges Chelsea to steer clear of Kevin De Bruyne reunion: "Time for a new challenge"

Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has advised his Chelsea not to consider re-signing Manchester City starr Kevin De Bruyne despite reports suggesting the Belgian midfielder could be available on a free transfer.

De Bruyne’s longg and successful spell at City may be coming to an end, with rumours swirling about a possible exit as his contract enters its final stages. The 32-year-old, who previously spent two years at Stamford Bridge before being sold to Wolfsburg in 2014, has since become one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders.

But Malouda, who spent six years at Chelsea and won both the Premier League and Champions League during his time, believes bringing De Bruyne back to west London would be a mistake.

Speaking to Racing Tipster, Malouda said: “Kevin De Bruyne is on a free, but it’s rarely a good idea to re-sign a former player. Most of the time, it doesn’t work.”

De Bruyne has lifted five Premier League titles, ttwo FA Cups, and the Champions League with Manchester City, becoming the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s team over the past decade. However, injuries have hampered his 2024 season, and some believe his time in England could be nearing its natural conclusion.

Malouda, reflecting on both his Chelsea loyalty and his own playing experience, added: “For Kevin, he’s done everything he can already in the Premier League. So in terms of motivation, at this stage of his career, I think it would be better for him to leave the Premier League on a high.”

Rather than returning to a former club, Malouda believes De Bruyne should be looking for a fresh challenge in a new environment.

“That’s my perspective as a Chelsea fan, but also as a former player. I think at this stage he needs to enjoy himself on the pitch and go for a new challenge outside of the Premier League,” Malouda said.

Chelsea famously sold De Bruyne under Jose Mourinho in 2014 after he failed to secure regular playing time. His transformation after leaving Stamford Bridge has often been cited as one of the club’s biggest transfer regrets — but Malouda’s comments suggest that trying to undo that decision now would not be wise.

De Bruyne has already been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia or even a return to Belgium, though no decision has been made public. His time at City may still continue, depending on Guardiola’s future and the club’s vision moving forward.

Still, for Chelsea, who are undergoing a long-term rebuild under Enzo Maresca, Malouda’s message is clear — focus on the future, not the past.