Man City hold De Bruyne talks after ‘astronomical’ offer – sources
Man City are set to hold contract talks with Kevin de Bruyne towards the end of the year after turning down approaches from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Al-Ittihad offered De Bruyne an “astronomical” deal to tempt him to make the move.
Clubs aimed to reach a deal with the midfielder this summer, but Pep Guardiola was clear that he would not let him go, forcing them to delay their interest.
He will now have a decision to make over his long-term future, but should he opt to remain in England, there are said to be no issues with signing a new City deal.
The 33-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Etihad, which could see him make the move to the Middle East for free next year.
Man City hold Kevin de Bruyne talks after ‘astronomical’ Saudi offer
De Bruyne has spent nine years at the Etihad since making the move in 2015, helping the club to win six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, a Champions League and the Club World Cup.
During his spell, he has made 382 appearances, scoring 102 goals and providing 170 assists while establishing himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Interest from Saudi Arabia comes as no shock, with their goal to grow the exposure and level of the Pro League leading several superstar players to the Middle East.
The likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante all made the move in 2023, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the most high-profile stars in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Guardiola has insisted his star midfielder remains a valuable part of his plans and will not be allowed to leave this summer.
With contract talks now planned, the club will attempt to thrash out an agreement to persuade the Belgian not to move for free this time next year.
However, the “astronomical” wages on offer could make a deal hard to turn down, and the final decision will rest with De Bruyne.
In other news, Newcastle are closing in on signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
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