Manchester City's midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, faces mounting speculation about his future as his contract enters its final stages, with Saudi Arabian clubs preparing substantial offers for the Belgian international. The 33-year-old's current deal with City is set to expire on June 30, 2025, and he has already confirmed his intention to leave the club at that time.
Saudi Interest Intensifies
Saudi Pro League clubs, especially Al-Nasser, are reportedly ready to table an extraordinary offer worth up to 1 million euros per week for De Bruyne's services. This interest comes as part of the Saudi league's ambitious expansion, which has already seen them secure high-profile players through significant investment. The league demonstrated its financial muscle in 2023 with a remarkable net transfer spend of $907 million, second only to the Premier League.
De Bruyne's Current Status
Despite recent injury setbacks, De Bruyne's influence at Manchester City remains undiminished. His statistics speak volumes about his importance to the team:
- 100% win rate when starting Premier League games this season
- 2.8 goals per game average with him in the team
- 4.17 chances created per 90 minutes
Expert Analysis
Football pundits suggest that while the financial appeal of Saudi Arabia is significant, De Bruyne's decision will likely be considered on multiple factors, including his legacy and future career prospects. His recent injury history, including a five-month layoff due to a hamstring injury in 2023/24, could influence both his decision and potential suitors' approaches.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Influence
Current Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly advocating for De Bruyne's transfer, recognizing the potential impact the Belgian could have on the league's development. De Bruyne himself has acknowledged the "incredible money" on offer in Saudi Arabia, suggesting openness to considering all options at this stage of his career.
The departure of De Bruyne would mark the end of an era at Manchester City, where he has been instrumental in the club's success, including their UEFA Champions League triumph and multiple Premier League titles. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether the creative midfielder will become the next European star to make the move to Saudi Arabia.