A number of teams are being linked with a bid for Kevin De Bruyne after the midfielder announced his Manchester City exit.
The 33-year-old, who has collected six Premier League championships with City, as well as five League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League, confirmed on Friday morning that he will depart Pep Guardiola’s club at the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.
In an emotional message to the club’s fans, De Bruyne wrote: “Dear Manchester, Having seen this, you are presumably aware of the direction in which this is going. Therefore, I will not waste any time in letting you all know that the months that are currently underway will be my last months as a player for Manchester City.
Although there is nothing about this that is simple to write, as football players, we are all aware that this day will come at some point. That day is here- and you deserve to hear it from me first.”
He added: “Football took me to all of you-and to this city. In the pursuit of my dream, I was unaware that this time would alter the course of my life. This city in particular. This particular club. These individuals… provided me with everything. I was left with no other option than to send back EVERYTHING! Also, you wouldn’t believe it: we won everything. Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.”
De Bruyne’s future club odds emerge, include PSG and Bayern Munich
At this moment in time, it looks a move to Saudi Arabia is the most likely option for the 33-year-old midfielder.
In reality, a report from French daily Foot Mercato indicates De Bruyne has engaged in “serious” and “positive” negotiations to join Saudi second-division team Neom SC, who presently have former West Ham player Said Benrahma in their ranks.
The article also claims the likes of River Plate, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and MLS club San Diego FC are also interested.
In truth, San Diego had been watching the Belgian midfielder for some time. Last summer, The Athletic reported a ‘mutual interest’ between the club and De Bruyne, with the star apparently preferring a transfer to Major League Soccer over the Saudi Pro League.
Links to Neom SC, on the other hand, have been more evident in recent weeks as the club appears to be on the verge of achieving promotion to the highest league in Saudi Arabia.
A transfer to any Saudi Arabian club is presently placed up at 7/4 with Bet365, while Oddschecker projects that Bruyne will join any Major League Soccer side in the summer with a 9/10 chance. Bet365 also projects that Bruyne will join any Saudi Arabian club.
Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are also among the favourites to recruit De Bruyne, with odds of 6/1. Other favourites include Bayern Munich (9/1), River Plate (18/1), and previous club Wolfsburg, which is rated at 25/1 with a number of bookmakers.
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