Manchester City is reportedly gearing up to expedite contract negotiations with their midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne. The move comes amidst growing interest in the player from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs.
Kevin De Bruyne, 32, has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City since his arrival in East Manchester in 2015. Despite being sidelined by a hamstring injury that required surgery last August, the Belgian international made an impressive comeback this season. He was directly involved in 23 goals during his 26 appearances for the Sky Blues during the 2023/24 campaign.
De Bruyne's return to action was marked by a dramatic performance against Newcastle United at St James’ Park where he scored and assisted within minutes of featuring. His contributions were instrumental in securing Pep Guardiola’s side their sixth Premier League title in seven years.
The midfielder also showcased his prowess on the international stage when he scored against Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and registered four assists against Luton Town in the Emirates FA Cup.
Speculations surrounding De Bruyne's future
Despite surpassing the 100-goal mark for Manchester City this season, there have been speculations about De Bruyne's future at Etihad Stadium. His current contract expires next season which has led to rumors of a potential big-money move to Saudi Arabia or MLS clubs.
In response to these rumors, Football Insider reports that Manchester City is "doing everything they can" to secure a contract extension beyond 2025 with their star player. The club executives are said to be pushing ahead with new contract talks this summer as they aim to fend off transfer interest from both Middle East and USA clubs.
Uncertainty over Pep Guardiola’s future
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City. The 53-year-old manager, who has been instrumental in guiding the team to multiple Premier League titles, is also out of contract at Etihad Stadium in 2025.
This summer promises to be a crucial period for Manchester City as they navigate contract negotiations with key figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts keenly watch these developments, it remains to be seen how these negotiations will shape the future of one of England's most successful football clubs.
