Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Saudi Arabia – and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts about a potential move to the Gulf state for the Belgian maestro.
Since the summer, there have been reports that the Saudi Pro League are interested in landing City superstar De Bruyne.
They are trying to raise the profile of the league, and we have seen a willingness to pay players huge amounts of money to go and play there.
They know a big-name superstar will really help them to grow, and De Bruyne is seen as someone who can help them do that, as well as Liverpool’s Mo Salah.
It is very clear what Pep Guardiola would like to happen, as he addressed the recent speculation yesterday…
Pep Guardiola hopes Kevin De Bruyne will stay at Manchester City amid Saudi Arabia links
Guardiola spoke yesterday at his press conference ahead of City’s FA Cup clash with Luton Town at Kenilworth road.
The manager was asked whether he was worried if De Bruyne would be tempted by a move to the SPL, and said (via Hayters TV): “It is a question for me. I would love him to stay. I don’t know, I don’t know if he’s had an offer, I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wants him, but I would love him to stay here.”
De Bruyne is under contract at City until the summer of 2025.
The deal he currently has was actually one that he negotiated himself, after using specialist data to prove his value.
Previously there has been talk about De Bruyne potentially retiring at City. But it was reported earlier this week that the MLS may well be an option for the player if he feels he still has something to give once his current deal at the Etihad expires.
It’s not out of the question De Bruyne leaves Man City this summer
City fans won’t want to consider it for even a second, but one does wonder if De Bruyne to Saudi Arabia could happen this summer.
The £55 million man will only have a year left on his contract and be 33 years of age. We know that he’s had his injury problems over the last year or so.
Guardiola wants him to stay, but who knows if the player will tempted by the riches on offer.
At the moment, the narrative seems to be that De Bruyne – described by City as a ‘sublime talent’ – and his family are not particularly keen to go to Saudi.
But if City get a massive transfer offer, the club may well consider it given the player’s age, length of contract and injury history. It would then take De Bruyne to give the green light.
