Saudi Arabia ‘intensifying’ Kevin De Bruyne transfer pursuit amid Manchester City contract expiration

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is set to be subject to fresh summer transfer offers from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The 32-year-old has boosted Manchester City’s silverware hopes since returning from a five-month absence due to hamstring surgery, registering 10 direct goal involvements in 10 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

De Bruyne, who is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in 2025, has been with Manchester City since 2015 and is currently the longest serving member of the Blues’ squad.

The midfielder has won 14 trophies including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with City, and remains one of the greatest players in world football, despite recent injury problems.

De Bruyne and Manchester City are yet to open talks surrounding a contract beyond 2025, with manager Guardiola’s current deal also set to expire at the end of next season.

Etihad chiefs recently allowed Ilkay Gundogan to depart on a free transfer to Barcelona following the expiration of the German midfielder’s contract, however the club agreed a new deal with Kyle Walker until 2026 despite the Englishman being 33-years-old.

Manchester City could be forced to make an imminent offer to De Bruyne however, as Saudi Arabia are reportedly ‘intensifying’ their efforts to sign the Belgian international this summer.

City are set to face bids from top Saudi Pro League clubs according Jack Gaughan, with the Middle Eastern league’s Sporting Director Michael Emenalo having attended a Manchester City training session in December during the FIFA Club World Cup.

De Bruyne and Manchester City both rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League last summer.

The Blues allowed both Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to sign for the Saudi Pro League last summer, with De Bruyne being amongst their latest list of suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United’s Casemiro and Liverpool’s Mo Salah have also been linked with potential summer moves to Saudi Arabia.