Recent reports of Saudi Arabia’s persistent interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne this summer have sparked intriguing questions surrounding the Belgian midfielder’s future at Manchester City.

 

The news prompts speculation on whether Manchester City would be willing to part ways with one of their key players. If so, what kind of transfer fee would they demand? Moreover, should the club decide to retain De Bruyne, what type of contract extension would they offer? Equally important, would De Bruyne himself be open to the idea of making the move to Saudi Arabia?

To understand the situation, let’s recap what has transpired thus far. Last summer, De Bruyne was approached with a lucrative offer of approximately €70 million per year (£59.7m, $75.7m) to join a Saudi Arabian club. However, he, like his Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva, who also received a similar proposal from Al Hilal, declined the opportunity.

 

De Bruyne’s current contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2025, and his original plan was to sign another deal with the club and potentially retire at City around the age of 35. While this remains a possibility, no formal discussions have taken place as of yet.

 

The initial offer from Saudi Arabia came as an unexpected development, but despite De Bruyne’s previous rejection, the sporting director of the Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has maintained open lines of communication. This persistence stems from Saudi Arabia’s unwavering determination to attract top-tier talent and secure the signatures of renowned players. It is worth noting that Emenalo played a significant role in Chelsea’s acquisition of De Bruyne from Genk, establishing a personal connection between them. However, a major obstacle for the burgeoning Saudi league is that De Bruyne and his family are not particularly enthusiastic about the potential move.

 

As discussions and negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain. Manchester City holds the key to De Bruyne’s future, and their stance on his potential departure will shape the course of events. Meanwhile, the ambitious Saudi Arabian league remains resolute in its pursuit of marquee signings.

The coming weeks and months will shed light on whether De Bruyne’s tenure at Manchester City will continue or if a surprising transfer to Saudi Arabia is on the horizon. Ultimately, the final decision will rest with the player, Manchester City, and the allure of new opportunities presented by the ever-evolving landscape of global football.