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The Kevin de Bruyne saga didn't go quite like his more ardent fans were hoping, but there's no doubt that Chelsea are doing very well from selling the young Belgian to Wolfsburg. That transfer's been all but inevitable for about a week, and we won't have to wait much longer -- the deal is virtually done.
It's offiial now: Kevin De Bruyne joins Wolfsburg. Contract until 2019.
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) January 13, 2014
Kevin De Bruyne still has to pass his medicals, though before the clubs make the official announcement. #CFC
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) January 13, 2014
Assuming de Bruyne passes his medical, Chelsea will receive a fee reportedly in the range of £16 million, possibly rising to £20 million (I'd assume that's based on appearances, and would be surprised if those clauses didn't eventually activate), enough to cover most of the transfer fee the Blues are expected to spend on Nemanja Matic. Speaking of Matic, one hopes that we were wise enough to put a buyback clause somewhere in here!
It's been a pleasure to watch de Bruyne's progress on loan since he joined from Genk in 2012, but it just didn't work out for him at Stamford Bridge. This is what happens when you compete against the very best -- sometimes you can't unseat them. At least we did well financially out of the deal.
Good luck, Kevin.
