Manchester City are set to see a big name wave goodbye to the club at the end of the season.
Specifically, it was reported during the October international break that Txiki Begiristain will be leaving City in the summer after 13 years as the club’s sporting director.
It was then announced that City had agreed to see Hugo Viana become the 60-year-old’s successor.
Begiristain may not be the only figure to wave goodbye to the Etihad Stadium in the summer, as Pep Guardiola’s contract is set to expire in June.
However, the future of a key figure in the City squad has been the topic of conversation, with this particular issue said to be on Begiristain’s to-do list before his eventual departure.
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Txiki Begiristain backed to deal with Kevin De Bruyne contract before City exit
Speaking exclusively to Manchester City News, GRV Media’s transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, gave this assessment of Kevin De Bruyne’s current contract situation at the club and if he’s likely to leave as a free agent in the summer when his deal expires.
He said: “I wouldn’t say 100 per cent he’s definitely going to go. Does he stay for one more year, pre-World Cup? Possible.
“I could see him saying one more year, but signing an agreement with San Diego to go in 2026 maybe, I wouldn’t rule that out necessarily.
“I think if City go to him and say look, we could do with you staying another year, then I think he could consider it. That’s a possibility.
“I think they’re considering all options now, but he won’t do anything to upset the apple cart, but they are in discussions now and I think it’s one for the new year.
“He’s not suddenly going to sign a pre-contract without telling him, that’s not the way he or City operate at all.
“Is it complicated by the fact Viana’s coming in? No, Txiki’s going to have that sorted out by the time Viana starts work.”
What has De Bruyne said about his contract situation at City?
City paid £54m to sign the midfielder from Wolfsburg back in the 2015 summer transfer window after he had a short spell with Chelsea.
During his time at the club, the 33-year-old has scored 103 goals, supplied 171 assists and won multiple trophies across 388 appearances in all competitions.
Following the speculation over a potential exit during the previous summer transfer window, De Bruyne discussed his City contract situation back in September.
He said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone. There’s been a lot of noises and news. I said in the summer, I expect a quiet summer and that’s actually what happened.
“I’ve been on holiday, came back and started training. That’s it. Nothing to tell.
“Once the season goes on, I’m sure there will be conversations to be had. I just want to feel good, play good football and this will come in the upcoming months. I don’t really feel the rush for the moment.”
Now that it has been claimed by Bailey that Begiristain will sort out De Bruyne’s contract situation before the end of the season, this should give the City supporters general idea of when an announcement about the midfielder’s future will be made.
