City Xtra
·8 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsCity Xtra
·8 October 2024
Manchester City could be subject to a big-money attempt at securing the services of Kevin De Bruyne next summer, according to the latest reports.
The 33-year-old is currently recovering from a suspected groin problem, and is expected to return to Manchester City’s on-field duties after the conclusion of the ongoing October international break.
Despite his age and some minor concerns over his ability to perform twice a week at the intensity of Manchester City’s matches, De Bruyne remains an integral component of Pep Guardiola’s operation.
With that being said, his expiring contract – which runs until the end of the ongoing season – is attracting attention from across the globe and particularly in growing football markets eyeing blockbuster moves to help expand their global image, including the Saudi Pro League.
Despite the Middle-Eastern game showing a keen desire to recruit De Bruyne during the last summer, he ultimately felt it more necessary to remain at Manchester City. But interest in his services hasn’t stopped there.
According to the information of journalist Graeme Bailey, Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC – owned by British-Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour – are ready to launch a bid for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Having been a long-term target of the San Diego club, and with his Manchester City contract set to expire next summer, the Belgian is currently considering his options with an offer from Saudi Arabia also remaining under consideration, as per the report.
Kevin De Bruyne is yet to be publicly quizzed on the prospect of a move to the United States during the latter stages of his professional playing career, but has spoken openly about possible transfer interest from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking last June, De Bruyne told Belgian broadcaster VTM, “For Michele (wife), an exotic adventure is OK. These are also conversations that we are increasingly having as a family. I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what can happen.”
He continued, “My eldest [child] is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.
“At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”
Manchester City’s number 17 also explained that in the event of a minimum two-year stay in the Saudi Pro League, he would be “able to earn an incredible amount of money” that is unlikely to be on offer elsewhere in the game.
For now, officials from within the Premier League champions are likely to maintain an interest in extending Kevin De Bruyne’s contract beyond this season, further establishing his status as one of the finest servants in the club’s history.
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