The potential for Manchester City to capitalize on £90m-rated Kevin De Bruyne as Saudi transfer interest grows

De Bruyne is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia's Pro League due to his contract expiring in 2025 and the lack of renewal talks with Manchester City.

Saudi Clubs Interests Grows In Kevin De Gruyne
James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

De Bruyne has attracted significant transfer interest from Saudi Arabia, propelled by the rapid growth and ambitious vision of the Pro League. Amidst discussions over his future, given his contract’s expiration in 2025 and the absence of renewal talks, reports indicate heightened efforts to lure the midfielder to the Middle East before the summer. Surprisingly, Manchester City may entertain the notion of selling him.

As per The Athletic, City would be open to an offer in the vicinity of £90 million ($114m), regardless of De Bruyne’s pivotal role and exceptional skill. The club has displayed a tendency to refrain from engaging in long-term negotiations with players over 30, exemplified by Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona last summer. Gundogan, aged 33, left on a free transfer after City delayed discussions. De Bruyne, now 32, could face a similar situation, devoid of sentimental attachments if the club perceives his peak nearing its end.

Nevertheless, reports indicate De Bruyne’s reluctance toward a move to Saudi Arabia, with his preference leaning towards potentially concluding his career in MLS post-Manchester. He might consider extending his contract with City, even with adjusted terms. Additionally, uncertainties loom over whether a Saudi club would commit to the league-record fee demanded for the Belgian.

While City isn’t compelled to sell, given recent revenue gains from player transfers, De Bruyne’s recuperation from hamstring surgery could influence their final verdict. Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League appears determined to secure his services, possibly leveraging his impending contract expiration in negotiations.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne

Forwarder, Midfielder

BelgiumBelgium

Age: 33

181 cm

68 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 5 1 Missed
Minutes 294 58.8 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 5 1.0 Avg
Attempt 6 1.2 Avg
Passes 180 36.076.8% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.2 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total twice for 58 minutes for FA Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne didn’t score any goal for Manchester City. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in FA Cup. In the last match Manchester City won 1-0 against AFC Bournemouth.

Manchester City performance and stats

Manchester City

Manager: Josep Guardiola
Rank 1st
Win 27
Draw 7
Loss 3
Goals 93-33
Diff 60

Manchester City will play the next match in FA Cup against Luton Town on Tuesday 27th of February in Luton. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.​