Manchester City are working hard behind the scenes to ensure Kevin De Bruyne stays at the club beyond next summer.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City are eager to keep Kevin De Bruyne and are working on a new contract behind the scenes. The club value the Belgian playmaker relatively highly as he has been one of their most influential star in this successful era, and he also has a massive following from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Manchester City fans are used to coming to the Etihad to watch the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne, as the playmaker has been a top presence over the last decade or so. The Belgian has an expiring contract, and many Saudi Arabian sides are already making their intentions known when he becomes a free agent next summer.
Al-Ittihad held an interest, with reports suggesting they might have discussed a large contract with the Belgian. There were more stories about how De Bruyne was one of the three players unhappy with Pep Guardiola in the summer and might have thought about leaving at some point.
Manchester City have identified a few targets in the market in the event of De Bruyne deciding to leave. The Saudi clubs are expected to enter the market in a big way as they are chasing superstar names like the Belgian and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, with the duo available on a free transfer next summer as things stand. For De Bruyne, it would also mean a lucrative contract, as there will be no transfer fees involved.
De Bruyne is also expected to stay at Manchester City if a reasonable contract offer arrives, and if he does sign a new deal, his stay here could last more than 10 years. The club is reportedly working hard in the background to formulate a new contract for the nine-season veteran, which would also quash suggestions that many have raised about his fitness levels in recent seasons.
Will De Bruyne stay at Manchester City?
It’s a tricky question to ask at this stage of the season. De Bruyne has missed the last few games with a fresh groin problem, which has raised further doubts about his long-term fitness. In any case, the 33-year-old’s future could also be linked with that of manager Pep Guardiola, who could also depart next summer when his current deal expires.
More importantly, any chance of De Btuyne staying at the Etihad will depend on Manchester City’s ability to offer him an important contract that would have to be financially sound and add a decent few years to it. Over in the Middle East, those Saudi clubs could offer colossal money that would lure the Belgian towards ending his stay at Man City, which would be painful for many fans.
