Manchester City will ‘do everything they can’ to tie Kevin De Bruyne down to a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.
Manchester City are reportedly determined to tie Kevin De Bruyne down to a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Speculation over the 33-year-old’s long-term future is rife, as he is due to see his current deal expire in the summer of 2025.
The Citizens are therefore at risk of losing their star playmaker for free, with Saudi Pro League clubs known to be interested in his services.
De Bruyne admitted in June that he was “open to everything” and may find it difficult to turn down an “incredible” big-money contract offer from the Middle East.
A summer exit ultimately failed to materialise for the Belgium international, who revealed at the start of September that he did not hold talks with any other clubs and he is sure that “there will be conversations to be had with City” over a possible contract extension.
Concerns have somewhat lingered over De Bruyne’s future due to his injury troubles over the last 12 months or so; he missed the first six months of last season with a torn hamstring and is currently sidelined with a groin problem.
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When will De Bruyne contract decision be made?
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Man City will ‘do everything they can’ to tie De Bruyne down to a new contract.
The report adds that negotiations are planned with the playmaker regarding an extension, with a solution between all parties expected to come before the end of this year.
De Bruyne, who joined Man City from Wolfsburg for around £54m in 2015, is now in his 10th season as Citizens player and is the club’s longest-serving player in Pep Guardiola‘s current first-team squad.
The Belgian has recorded 103 goals and 171 assists in 388 appearances for Man City across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and one assist in six games so far this season.
De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielders, has earned legendary status at the Etihad and has been a key cog in a City side that has won 17 trophies during his time at the club, including six English top-flight titles and one Champions League.
City’s No.17 is not expected to feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham due to injury, but Guardiola has suggested that he could return after the international break.