‘Kevin De Bruyne tipped for performance-related deal amid Man City extension talk’
Kevin De Bruyne could extend his decade-long stay at Man City amid ongoing speculation over the star’s future in England, Henry Winter believes.
The 33-year-old, who has racked up over 400 appearances during his time at the Etihad Stadium, is now being linked with a move to MLS side San Diego FC from Man City.
With just a few months left on his current deal with the reigning Premier League champions, at least before Arne Slot’s Liverpool lift the title, there are few signs of a new deal emerging.
Despite this, he remains one of the most consistent players at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, boasting four goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, though he has taken a back seat this term.
Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush and Bernardo Silva have been called upon far more often by Guardiola, who could be another figure to leave Man City, following De Bruyne out the exit doors in the summer.
However, the Belgian’s performance against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, however, would suggest there is still life in his legs and might have proven himself to be a useful asset ahead of next season.
Kevin De Bruyne to sign “no-brainer” deal at Man City
Writing via his personal blog [3 March], Winter said: “There is already talk of Kevin De Bruyne receiving a 12-month contract extension at Manchester City.
“On Saturday’s performance against an obdurate Plymouth Argyle, the 33-year-old’s fitness was not in doubt nor his enduring passing range and vision. It was only against Championship strugglers but they still made life difficult.
“If City make any new deal heavily performance-related then it is surely a no-brainer. De Bruyne’s a great professional, has started on his coaching pathway, and has much to give off the pitch as well as on.”
Pep Guardiola ready for passing of the torch this summer
Football Insider verdict
The veteran midfielder has proven to be one of the best playmakers in history, leading City to six Premier League trophies, two FA Cup titles and the allusive Champions League trophy.
Having him stay on as a player-coach could be an incredible addition for Man City, especially with a squad rebuild being tipped to happen once the summer transfer window opens.
De Bruyne is joined by a number of ageing City players who could have to find new homes this summer, with Ilkay Gundogan, Kovacic, Jack Grealish and Silva all slowing down on the pitch.
Grealish is continuously linked with an Aston Villa return, though his drop in performance is far more likely to do with confidence than it is his age.
Recent additions to the squad have all been incredibly young, with Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez and Vitor Reis all being joined by 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri.
The signings during the winter transfer window would suggest that Guardiola is preparing himself for a very difficult number of big-name exit, ones who are starting to come towards the end of their careers.