Kevin De Bruyne’s future up in the air: where could the City player end up this summer?
The midfielder is not paying any attention to rumors regarding his future, as he nears the end of his contract at Manchester City.
Kevin De Bruyne seems to be slowly rediscovering his best form after missing several games earlier this season with a hamstring injury. On Saturday he again contributed with an assist in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over West Ham, however, his future remains unclear.
When does De Bruyne’s contract expire?
De Bruyne is one of three City players whose contract will expire in the summer (along with Gündogan and Scott Carson). MLS and Saudi Arabia have emerged as possible destinations for the Belgian player, who right now is focusing on what he does on the pitch rather than the rumor mill.
“Rumours about my future? I don’t care. I’m just trying to get back to my level,” the 33-year-old said in the Mixed Zone after Saturday’s match.
De Bruyne has been linked with a move to MLS this summer with Inter Miami and San Diego FC two possible destinations. The Saudi Pro League is another option with Al-Ittihad believed to be ready with an offer. Since the winter transfer window opened on Wednesday, the player is now able to negotiate with other clubs.
Guardiola sentences De Bruyne
It’s been a tough couple of months for the Belgian, and even Pep Guardiola didn’t promise anything when talking about the possibility of renewing the contract of one of the team’s star players.
“He is a very important player for us. Decisive. The club will make it happen, depending on how he plays between now and the end of the season, considering his age and many other things. I think the club has to think about it,” the manager said before Saturday’s match.
This season didn’t start very well for Kevin. He missed nine games through injury, making his return as a late sub in the Champions League defeat to Sporting Clube on 5 November. He remained on the bench for the first few weeks until making his return to the starting XI against Forest in early December.
“I feel like I’m getting better every week. I can play 90 minutes now. It’s been an uncomfortable couple of months with the injury,” added De Bruyne after reaching 400 games in a City shirt.
In the 13 league games he has played this season, he has contributed a couple of goals and three assists. City sit sixth in the table on 34 points - two points off the Champions League positions.