Manchester City could reportedly lose four first-team stars during this summer’s transfer window, including Kevin De Bruyne, who might be tempted by the Saudi Pro League.
Manchester City could reportedly be set to lose four first-team stars this summer, including midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Following his switch from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg to the blue side of Manchester in August 2015, there were serious questions of whether the Belgian could make the step up to the English game.
After 382 competitive games for Man City – coupled with 102 goals – it is not an overstatement to say that De Bruyne has established himself as a Premier League legend.
Due to a five-month layoff following a hamstring injury during 2023-24, the 32-year-old only managed 18 appearances in the league for Pep Guardiola‘s troops.
However, finding the net on four occasions and providing 10 assists, De Bruyne was still influential as the Citizens won a record-breaking fourth straight Premier League crown.
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Man City to lose De Bruyne this summer?
According to The Mirror, De Bruyne is one of a quartet of Man City stars who could be leaving the Etihad for pastures new during the summer window.
The report states that the 102-time international would potentially be tempted by the big salaries that are being offered to players by clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
As well as De Bruyne, there is also said to be interest for Citizens goalkeeper Ederson from the Middle East, where ageing stars are continuing to earn big cheques.
The Brazilian is out of the Copa America in the United States this summer due to a eye socket injury suffered during the victory at Tottenham Hotspur in May.
With second-choice Stefan Ortega recently signing a new deal at the Etihad, the possibility of losing Ederson is arguably not as bad as first feared.
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De Bruyne replacements and more outgoings
If De Bruyne was to end his nine-year association with Man City this summer, the English champions have supposedly lined up some serious replacements.
It is believed that Guardiola’s side would be considering moves for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo in order to fill a creative void left by the Belgian.
One of the hottest prospects in football, Musiala reminded Europe of his frightening talents during Germany’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland on the opening day of Euro 2024.
On top of De Bruyne and Ederson, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva could be leaving Man City, with the latter perennially linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.