‘As far as I know’ – David Ornstein provides update on Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City future

The future of Manchester City vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne has been touched upon and updated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein this week.

The Belgian is approaching the final year of his current Manchester City contract, with the 32-year-old’s existing deal running until the summer of 2025 and no conversations over a possible extension currently in sight.

De Bruyne rejected strong approaches from Saudi Arabia last summer, committing himself to the Etihad Stadium for the ongoing campaign, but the Middle-Eastern project are likely to reignite their interest in the coming summer transfer window.

There is widespread talk within the media about a possible nine-figure approach from the Saudi Pro League for Kevin De Bruyne, and Manchester City will likely make a decision in the coming weeks whilst taking in a number of factors including the player’s fitness levels.

Responding to questioning around the future of Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stated that while his understanding is that the club wants the Belgian to stay at the Etihad Stadium, it does not necessarily mean he will.

“As far as I know (Manchester) City want De Bruyne to stay, but that doesn’t mean he will. The player himself will need to make a decision – if he hasn’t already – on what he wants to do,” Ornstein explained.

“If he opts to stay/renew, great. If not, let’s see if/what offers arrive, how City respond and – should he depart – whether a direct replacement is recruited or (Phil) Foden becomes his successor.”

Kevin De Bruyne has recorded yet another impressive campaign for Manchester City, given the fact that the Belgium international missed the entirety of the first-half of the season through recovery from hamstring surgery.

Alongside a staggering four-assist haul in an FA Cup fifth round tie against Luton, as well as crucial goals in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, De Bruyne has managed five goals and 13 assists largely in the second-half of the campaign.

Despite Manchester City’s openness to fielding interest from Saudi Arabia, Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff will almost certainly be under no illusion about Kevin De Bruyne’s ability to influence matches at all levels, despite his age and fitness struggles in recent months.