De Bruyne fall-out: ‘Man City transfer close’ as Gary Neville gobsmacked
Kevin De Bruyne appears to be considering a Man City exit amid speculation of a rift behind the scenes with Pep Guardiola.
The reigning Premier League champions were enduring their worst run of form since 2008, with no wins in seven games, prior to the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on 4 December.
They currently sit fourth in the table, nine points behind Liverpool, who defeated them 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday (1 December).
The Belgian star’s contract is set to expire in the summer David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on 3 December that the midfielder only needs to “inform” Manchester City of his “intentions,” as a new deal is available “if he wants it”.
However, the situation has only been “loosely discussed.” This suggests that De Bruyne could be waiting until January to agree a deal elsewhere otherwise he’d likely have already re-signed.
The Belgian’s 12-minute cameo against the league leaders and the decision to leave him out of the starting 11 at Anfield sparked controversy, with Gary Neville suggesting that there may be trouble behind the scenes.
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast (1 December, 7m 45s) he said: “The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?
“We know he’s had injuries, but why is he not out there? Because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, his confidence, and brilliance, so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”
De Bruyne might consider leaving Man City, even with Guardiola’s extension
Guardiola dismissed rumours of any behind-the-scenes issues in his press conference before the match against Nottingham Forest (BBC Sport, 3 December).
He said: “He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year).
“He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.”
The Spaniard’s desperation was understandable, as this slump was unprecedented for one of the most dominant teams in recent years, and De Bruyne demonstrated how key he can be with a star turn in the win over Forest.
The six-time Premier League champion is now well into his 30s, and it seems as if his injuries are taking a toll. If the Belgian was certain to stay, those intentions would have already been laid on the table.
This hesitation might stem from the lucrative offers reportedly coming his way. Earlier in the week, David Ornstein also reported (29 November) that he held talks with the MLS over a potential move to the USA.
Guardiola will stay for at least another year, and he’s adapted without his star midfielder before. A permanent departure will allow others to rise from the shadows.
Phil Foden has struggled this season, but a shift in a central position could see his numbers mirror the 39 goals and assists he achieved last season.
De Bruyne may not be a certain departure from the Etihad, but it seems he is certainly considering it or the question would have been answered already.
In other news, Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign Man City gem James McAtee.
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