Ex-Chelsea winger Florent Malouda does not believe his former club should look to snap up former player Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer this summer.

Malouda was actually a teammate of the Belgian briefly at Stamford Bridge, but speaking exclusively to Chelsea News (courtesy of Racing Tipster), Malouda says he thinks De Bruyne will leave Manchester City for a fresh challenge abroad:

“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, and 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.”

“So 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.”

De Bruyne is expected to move to the United States

While the player has spoken out in recent days to suggest that he still feels he is capable of playing at the highest level, it is widely believed he will make the switch to an MLS side when his contract expires at City.

Chicago Fire have reportedly made a formal approach to De Bruyne already, while other teams are expected to follow suit.

Chelsea are looking for more experience

It was claimed last month that the Blues did make an attempt to secure the services of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer. Malouda says that the Dutchman would have been a “great signing” as they need to add experience to their spine.

While a deal for van Dijk did not materialise, other older players could still be signed over the coming weeks. Reports in the Dutch media suggest that Feyenoord’s David Hancko is on the club’s radar.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here