Kevin De Bruyne could leave Manchester City this summer (Image: Getty)
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly ‘not closed the door’ on heading to Saudi Arabia this summer. The playmaker is expected to be the subject of immense interest from Middle Eastern outfits at the end of the season, and it appears it’s not an option that is off the table.
De Bruyne has struggled for fitness so far this season, making just 14 league appearances due to several injury problems. Nonetheless, the playmaker has still stamped his authority on the campaign and played a key role in guiding his side to within touching distance of the title.
The Belgium international has scored four goals and assisted eight in the Premier League, with two of those assists coming in City’s recent 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in what was a crucial victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
After being dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, City can still win a double, with an FA Cup final against Manchester United to look forward to at the end of the season. And such a success could be the note that De Bruyne opts to bow out on.
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Kevin De Bruyne has been key for Man City in recent weeks (Image: Getty)
According to The Athletic, Saudi Pro League sides will attempt to lure the 32-year-old away from the Etihad Stadium this summer as part of a fresh spending spree. Saudi sides are keen to continue bringing top talents to their ever-growing league, and De Bruyne has been cited as one of their top targets as a result – along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo, formerly of Chelsea, is ‘spearheading’ the pursuit of De Bruyne and he could take encouragement from how the midfielder has not closed the door on the ‘idea’ of heading to the Middle East.
Michael Emenalo is the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s interest in De Bruyne (Image: Getty)
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City are yet to slap an asking price on their No.17 at this stage but could be persuaded to part ways with the midfielder if a significant offer arrives given that their captain turns 33 in June and the recurring injury problems have been an issue throughout the season.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta and Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala are among those to have been linked with City this summer, and the duo both have the versatility and creativity to be deemed as replacements for De Bruyne.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1893529/Man-City-transfer-news-Kevin-De-Bruyne-Saudi-Chelsea