Contract extension eyed by Manchester City superstar despite £100 million exit talk

Manchester City could be targeted for a new contract by one of Pep Guardiola’s first-team stars in the coming months, despite growing interest from Saudi Arabia.

That is the aim of club vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne, who is entering the final year of contract at the end of the ongoing season, with no clear signs of contractual negotiations or an intention to extend from the part of Manchester City to date.

The Belgian’s performances have remained at their exceptionally high standards since he returned to on-field duties following injury in January, with De Bruyne missing the entire first-half of the season following hamstring surgery.

There have been some questions raised about De Bruyne’s ability to sustain top-level performances for much longer however, and that has sparked growing interest from Saudi Arabia over luring him and his family to the Middle-East.

Nevertheless, a new report has pointed towards the stance currently being taken by De Bruyne over his Manchester City future, which could excite many supporters hoping to see the legendary playmaker increase his chances of retiring at the Etihad Stadium.

That is according to the information of TEAMtalk, quoting ‘sources in Manchester’, who report that it is being suggested Kevin De Bruyne may want to continue playing at the top level for ‘a bit longer’ amid ongoing and growing interest from the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne’s current Etihad Stadium agreement is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and the latest report claims that the Manchester City vice-captain is ‘keen to sign a new deal’ to extend his stay with the club he first joined in 2015.

However, the report points towards a ‘roadblock to a new deal’ which is ‘similar’ to the one ultimately faced by former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who left for Barcelona on a free transfer following the Treble success.

It is suggested that Manchester City are ‘not too keen’ to offer multi-year contracts to ‘ageing’ players, and as such this is said to be the reason why Saudi Pro League sides believe a deal can be done for Kevin De Bruyne in the not too distant future.

In the background, it is understood that Manchester City are preparing for all eventualities, and are keen on signing a player in De Bruyne’s position, irrespective or whether he opts to move away this summer or at some stage in the future.

City transfer bosses remain attentive to the transfer market and what opportunities there could be to recruit a top-level player to eventually succeed Kevin De Bruyne – either a name ready to come in right away, or one that can be developed over the immediate seasons.

Any incoming signings may however be intrigued by what the future holds for City boss Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan coach himself reaching the end of his current Etihad agreement. Etihad chiefs remain relaxed over discussions with their legendary coach, however.