After witnessing Kevin De Bruyne assist Nico O’Reilly’s opener and score Manchester City’s third goal in their 3-1 win against Plymouth Argyle, the Etihad faithful would have been hoping that the next few months are not some of his last in a sky blue strip.
However, all good things come to an end and Manchester City know that all too well — having moved on legends like Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta during Pep Guardiola’s reign.
An exit for De Bruyne is likely and his departure would spell the end of an unforgettable era at the Etihad Stadium for arguably the club’s greatest-ever player.
But De Bruyne is happy to stay at Manchester City for another season.
But as Kevin De Bruyne pointed to the home fans while celebrating his goal against Plymouth on Saturday night, perhaps even if the Belgian is unsure whether the Sky Blues would like to keep him ahead of next season.
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Kevin De Bruyne wants Man City stay to play at 2026 World Cup
Manchester City are rebuilding their squad and the midfield maestro will be aware that the old guard might have to make way for youngsters like Abdukodir Khusanov, Oscar Bobb and Vitor Reis to take over for them.
In theory, one would presume that De Bruyne would happily leave Manchester City considering he has almost nothing left to achieve at the club.
But the Sun have reported that the reason why the six-time Premier League winner wishes to stay at City for another season and renew his contract is due to his desire to play in another World Cup.
De Bruyne believes that he will be in the best technical and physical condition heading into the tournament next year if he stays at Manchester City.
While City are open to handing the decorated technician a new contract, he will have to accept £150,000 in weekly wages alongside healthy bonuses.
De Bruyne earns £400,000-a-week in wages and if agrees to the deal, his earnings will take more than a 50 per cent hit.
| HIGHEST-PAID PLAYERS AT MAN CITY | |
| ERLING HAALAND | £525,000-A-WEEK |
| KEVIN DE BRUYNE | £400,000-A-WEEK |
| BERNARDO SILVA | £300,000-A-WEEK |
| JACK GREALISH | £300,000-A-WEEK |
| OMAR MARMOUSH | £295,000-A-WEEK |
Manchester City have approached Florian Wirtz to replace De Bruyne
However, it is interesting to note that Manchester City have contacted Florian Wirtz with the hopes of signing him as the replacement for De Bruyne.
The German international could cost City a cool £83 million.
However, Wirtz’s preference is to sign for Real Madrid.
Regardless of whether the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder heads to City and even if De Bruyne stays, it seems like the decision-makers at the club are already scouring the market for his potential heir.
