De Bruyne Extension Must Be a Priority for Man City

Pep Guardiola Emphasizes the Need for Manchester City to Consider Kevin De Bruyne’s Contract Extension

As the summer approaches, Kevin De Bruyne’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire, and there has yet to be any official word on a possible extension. This uncertainty has raised questions among fans and analysts alike about the future of one of the club’s most talented and influential players.

pic.twitter.com/WS8Bi64t8c

— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) December 5, 2024

At 33 years old, De Bruyne is celebrated as one of the greatest players in Manchester City’s storied history. However, his last 18 months have been marred by significant fitness challenges, leading to him missing a staggering 51 matches due to various injuries sustained since the previous season began. Despite these setbacks, his contributions on the pitch remain vital when he is available.

Last season, during a critical title-winning campaign, De Bruyne managed to net four goals and provide ten assists across just 15 starts in the Premier League. This season, he has already made an impact with two goals and two assists in eight league starts, demonstrating his enduring skill and importance to Guardiola’s tactical setup.

During a recent pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming clash with West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola expressed that the club must seriously evaluate De Bruyne’s future. He articulated the necessity of considering De Bruyne’s age, injury history, and overall impact on the team’s performance, stating that the club “has to think about it.”

Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s status as a “decisive player” for the squad, even as he recognizes the complexities introduced by the player’s injury record and advancing age. Several clubs from the Saudi Pro League and MLS have reportedly expressed interest in signing De Bruyne as a potential free agent, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.

“He’s had problems in the last year and a half like many players but when he is consistent and fit he is a really important player for us. Decisive player for us,” Guardiola stated, emphasizing De Bruyne’s critical role. “But it is about how he is going to perform for us until the end of the season, the club, his age, and many other things, so I think the club has to think about it.”

Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

See more – Guardiola casts doubt on Man City signings this month