Kevin De Bruyne, the legendary playmaker for Manchester City, is still the target of transfer interest from the always ambitious Saudi Pro League.
Even though the 32-year-old had some excellent performances in the second half of the season, questions about Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term future remain after the current campaign ends.
De Bruyne has made just 21 appearances in action this season, mostly because he missed the majority of it recovering from hamstring surgery. Despite this, the Belgian has contributed 16 assists and six goals in all competitions.
However, since his contract is set to expire at the end of the following season, Manchester City may receive offers from outside parties in the event that the Premier League champions decide not to renew it.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs’ most recent update, Saudi Arabia is still interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne before the summer transfer window opens, but the 32-year-old’s contract with Manchester City appears likely to be extended.
In fact, the most recent report confirms that De Bruyne has not expressed a desire to relocate to Saudi Arabia, despite the growing discourse surrounding interest from the Middle East. He previously turned down interest from the Kingdom last summer.
According to Jacobs, Manchester City “does not have a number in mind” to sell De Bruyne, but if the Belgian gives the go-ahead, Saudi Arabia and the Pro League “feel” that they will need to pay over £100 million plus “significant bonuses on top.”
It is believed that Manchester City is assembling backup plans in advance of the summer transfer window in case they are required to step in quickly to replace De Bruyne in the event that Saudi Arabia makes a move for him.
Notwithstanding De Bruyne’s future, Manchester City is probably looking to add new players to their middle of the park; two known transfer targets are West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.
Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich may still be on Manchester City’s radar, but the German international is regarded as off limits from the Bundesliga powerhouses’ standpoint as they look to extend his contract.
