As the reigning Premier League, European, and World Champions, Manchester City faces a monumental challenge in keeping their top talents, particularly with the allure of lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
When it comes to leagues that are making significant waves in the football world, the Saudi Pro League stands out as a formidable contender.
Since the arrival of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, there has been an influx of high-profile athletes from various European leagues who have opted to transition to this league, drawn by the promise of substantial financial incentives.
It’s clear that the SPL is not merely a fleeting trend; they are strategically planning for the long haul with another transfer window approaching, and they have set their sights on one of Pep Guardiola’s most exceptional players, Kevin De Bruyne, who is arguably among the best in Manchester City’s illustrious history.
There’s a notable history between the Belgian midfielder and clubs from Saudi Arabia, adding an intriguing layer to the ongoing speculation.
Fabrizio Romano, a well-respected football journalist, highlighted in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside that “Kevin De Bruyne is always getting better, and we’ve heard many stories about Saudi.”
“From what I’m hearing, even last summer, prior to the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter in Istanbul, Saudi Arabian clubs dispatched intermediaries to negotiate with Kevin De Bruyne and present an enticing offer.
“However, during that time in June of last year, De Bruyne had no interest in leaving and expressed a desire to continue his journey with Manchester City.”
Exploring the Possibility of Kevin De Bruyne’s Move to the Saudi Pro League
Despite the financial power of the Saudi Pro League, their previous overtures have not deterred them from pursuing Kevin De Bruyne again.
“Saudi clubs still want him and they will try again,” Romano stated emphatically.
“This time, we will need to observe the player’s response, particularly since Kevin is currently not negotiating with any club—he is focused on achieving something extraordinary with City in the second half of the season.
“After that, we will see what proposals emerge from Saudi in the summer.”
“So, the next step will involve discussions with Manchester City regarding his current contract—whether they wish to extend it or not—and subsequently, it will be time to evaluate what the future holds. We will see.”
The decision of whether Manchester City opts to extend De Bruyne’s contract will significantly influence the next developments.
From Pep Guardiola’s perspective, it is evident that the squad can manage without him, especially considering he has missed a substantial part of this season due to injury. However, his undeniable value to the team cannot be overlooked.
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