Manchester City hold major transfer belief over first-team duo with combined 714 appearances

Officials within Manchester City hold a major belief over the respective futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson beyond the ongoing summer transfer window.

The legendary Etihad Stadium duo have been intensely linked with shock exits from Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad this summer, largely due to the ambitious pursuits and attention from Saudi Arabian decision makers.

De Bruyne currently has one eye on how best to continue within football during the twilight years of his career, and there is a belief in some quarters that he holds a fond view of the potential for a Major League Soccer switch at some stage.

However, that lean towards the United States has not put off those working in the Saudi Pro League, who continue to maintain a firm desire to secure the Belgian and his Manchester City teammate Ederson at some stage in the coming transfer windows.

But despite the relentless talk of big-money moves and staggering wage packages being offered to the multi-Premier League title-winning duo this summer, a new report has issued what could be a significant update with regards to the feeling from within City themselves.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Manchester City expect both Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson to remain at the Etihad Stadium this summer, despite recent reports claiming of personal terms having been agreed with Saudi Pro League clubs.

Whilst uncertainty will continue to linger over Ederson’s thought process with regards to Saudi Arabian pursuits this summer, De Bruyne has addressed his own future on multiple occasions throughout the ongoing European Championships.

Speaking to Belgian media over the summer, the 32-year-old explained, “I’ll have a quiet summer. I’ll enjoy my holidays and will return to Manchester City afterwards. I assume there will be talks in the upcoming months.”

Having already kept the door open to Saudi Arabia due to the vast amounts of money on offer in the Middle-East, De Bruyne has simultaneously issued his own personal belief that he will remain at the Etihad Stadium into the new season.

“Yes (I’ll stay at City). I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but haven’t spoken to anyone. I saw him (Michael Emanalo, Saudi Pro League Sporting Director) at the Club World Cup. I know Michael – it makes sense to chat. But it wasn’t about that,” De Bruyne revealed.