The Uncertain Future of De Bruyne: Between Saudi Arabia and MLS

Rumors about the destination of the Belgian midfielder are stirring the soccer world as Manchester City weighs its options

Manchester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Manchester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League / Visionhaus/GettyImages
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One of the latest rumors to gain prominence involves the talented Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. At 32, De Bruyne, who is a key player in Manchester City's setup, is at the center of growing speculation about his future. With his contract nearing its end in June 2025, the player is being courted by clubs both within and outside Europe.

According to information from the respected portal "The Athletic," De Bruyne has sparked interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, primarily attracted by the prospect of his imminent availability at no transfer cost starting from January 2025. However, the possibility of a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) is also on the table, offering the player a more traditional route towards the end of his career.

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Manchester City, under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, finds itself at a crossroads. On the one hand, there's the desire to keep one of the most talented and influential players in the soccer world. On the other, there's an opportunity to profit significantly from the sale of De Bruyne, particularly considering the possibility of an offer in the range of £90 million, as reported by "The Athletic." This potential offer would far surpass the club's current sales record, set by Raheem Sterling's transfer to Chelsea in 2022.

Guardiola, commenting on the situation, has expressed his desire to keep De Bruyne in the squad but admitted uncertainty regarding the interests of clubs and the player's own future. This uncertainty looms not only over the coach and the club but also over the fans, who have seen De Bruyne play a crucial role in Manchester City's recent achievements, including five Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League.

Meanwhile, De Bruyne remains focused on his return to the field after a lengthy recovery from a right thigh injury that sidelined him for nearly five months. His presence is vital to Manchester City's game strategy, and his ability to create plays and score goals has been an undeniable asset for the club over the years.

De Bruyne's decision about his future is not just a matter of finances but also of lifestyle and sporting ambition. While Saudi Arabia offers attractive financial rewards, the MLS offers a change to a different environment, with a rising league and the opportunity to make his mark on a new continent.

Whatever path he decides to take, his legacy at Manchester City is already firmly established. Since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015, he has become not only one of the club's most valuable players but also a central figure in Manchester City's success story under Guardiola's leadership.

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