Kevin De Bruyne could quit Man City as sit-down talks imminent – Sources
Man City are preparing to hold sit-down talks over the future of Kevin de Bruyne in the coming weeks, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the midfielder is set to make a decision about where his long-term future lies amid growing transfer speculation.
As things stand, De Bruyne, 33, is set to see his contract expire at the end of the season and will be available to discuss a move abroad from January onwards.
San Diego FC, who will enter the MLS next season, are said to represent a “viable option” for the midfielder as they expressed an interest in poaching him from City.
The California-based club are keen to make a splash with some marquee signings ahead of their arrival in the top division and have targeted the Belgian as a top target.
Football Insider reported in September that talks with De Bruyne have been put on the back burner due to concerns about his mixed fitness record.
However, as the midfielder’s contract approaches its final six months, the club are keen to assess the situation and gauge where all parties stand.
Kevin de Bruyne set for Man City talks amid MLS interest
De Bruyne has featured just six times for City so far this season, and just four times in the Premier League as he continues to suffer from injury issues.
A hamstring injury sustained in September has seen the midfielder miss 13 games so far, after the same issue ruled him out for 35 games last season.
In the 2023-24 season, on top of the games missed due to his hamstring blow, the midfielder also missed another six games through fitness-related concerns.
Those concerns have raised questions behind the scenes at the Etihad about extending his contract beyond the end of the season given the money involved.
Interest from San Diego comes amid links with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia after clubs in the Middle East expressed an interest during the summer transfer window.
With sit-down talks set to take place in the coming weeks, De Bruyne’s future could be decided as soon as January should he opt to leave the club.
In other news, Man City working on deal to sign Kyle Walker replacement.
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