Kevin De Bruyne Clarifies Future Amid Saudi Pro League Speculation
Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne recently raised eyebrows by admitting he would be tempted by the lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League. However, he has now backtracked on those comments, emphasizing his commitment to returning to Manchester City after the European Championships.
De Bruyne, 33, has a year left on his City contract, and there hasn’t been any progress on an extension. Despite missing five months last season due to injury, he made a remarkable comeback in early 2024, showcasing his enduring brilliance.
Concerns linger about how long De Bruyne can maintain his elite performance level. Last week, he hinted at considering a move to Saudi Arabia for financial reasons. In a recent interview, however, De Bruyne clarified that there has been no contact with any club or league regarding a transfer and confirmed his plans to return to the Etihad for the new campaign.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with France, De Bruyne said: “Yes, I’ll stay at City. I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but I haven’t spoken to anyone. I saw Michael Emanalo [Saudi Pro League Sporting Director] at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to chat. But it wasn’t about that.”
De Bruyne acknowledged that discussions about his future would take place soon: “We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.”
In quotes relayed by HLN, De Bruyne added: “I’ll have a quiet summer. I’ll enjoy my holidays and will return to Man City afterward. I assume there will be talks with City in the upcoming months.”
With contract talks imminent and no concrete offers yet, City fans can look forward to potentially one final year of De Bruyne commanding their midfield. However, he reiterated his openness to a lucrative move later in his career.
“I signed my contract at the right time,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. “If there is a good offer and you tell Pep that you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.”
“I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… That is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and my friends.”
De Bruyne also discussed the possibility of international retirement, highlighting the intense 11-month season ahead for City and the potential benefits of rest during international breaks.
“During international breaks at City, we always get seven to ten days off. That would be welcome for my family,” he explained. “But I don’t have ten more years left as a footballer. I have also been absent from the national team many times. I’ll say it… If I continue to feel good, I will probably be available. I just don’t know what it will be like next year. A crazy season is coming for City, with even more matches. It must remain physically and mentally feasible.”
City fans will be relieved by De Bruyne’s commitment for now, but the future remains an open book as the club legend contemplates the final chapters of his illustrious career.
