Officials within the Etihad Stadium will reportedly ‘do everything they can’ to extend the contract of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City, according to new claims.
Concerns over the future of De Bruyne have been long-standing for several months, largely spiked by his bout of injury problems in recent years and somewhat shut down after the Belgian underwent surgery to prevent a reoccurring hamstring problem from returning.
Such was the intensity of transfer rumours over the course of the summer months, particular with interest from Saudi Arabia and the United States, manager Pep Guardiola was forced to speak out on the subject during the club’s pre-season tour.
“I didn’t speak to him. But the club informed me that we didn’t get any offer,” Guardiola told the media in late July. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I hope that he stays.”
Continuing on the subject, Guardiola said, “He won the credit to decide his future for himself. What he has done for Manchester City is massive, that’s why he has to decide. The info I have right now is that he’s going to stay.”
Now, the latest understanding is that officials from within the Premier League champions will certainly not be allowing Kevin De Bruyne existing agreement to run down without a challenge, thus enabling him to leave the club on a free next summer.
According to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, officials at Manchester City will “do everything they can” to tie De Bruyne down to a new contract, with his existing deal expiring at the end of the ongoing season.
Talks are reportedly planned with the 33-year-old playmaker over extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium to over 10 years, with a solution between all parties expected to come before the end of 2024.
The Belgium international is said to be highly coveted in Saudi Arabia, with interest from the Middle-East reported widely throughout the summer and De Bruyne holding a strong personal relationship with Saudi Pro League sporting director, Michael Emenalo.
Should both parties reach an agreement over ending their agreement after a nine-season relationship, Manchester City will no doubt be forced into a significant investment to try and replace the creative input of the Belgian.
A number of names from Germany have been tied to interest from the Etihad Stadium, with the likes of RB Leipzig’s loan talent Xavi Simons on the radar, accompanied by fellow £100 million-rated stars in Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already commented on what the long-term future could hold for De Bruyne, as he explained in March, “I think Saudi dealmakers will try. And someone from MLS.
“There will be interest from the US and Saudi, for sure. The reality is today, De Bruyne has no intention to have distractions during a crucial stage of the season,” Romano explained whilst Manchester City were hurtling towards yet another Premier League title.
