Kevin De Bruyne is open to joining Saudi second devision side Neom SC when his Manchester City contract expires in June, as per a new report.
The midfielder turns 34 in June and is yet to agree a new contract with the reigning Premier League champions, who are battling for a top four league finish to ensure UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.
De Bruyne has been in and out of Pep Guardiola’s starting XI this term owing to a series of injuries that have derailed the Belgium international from having a consistent run of form for much of the campaign.
It is believed that Manchester City are yet to table a formal contract renewal offer to De Bruyne, who has attracted interest from the Major League Soccer and Saudi Pro League.
Guardiola has maintained a decision on De Bruyne’s future is a matter between player and club, with the Spaniard having refrained from taking a stance as such on the Belgian’s future in press conferences.
City are set for a busy summer with a flurry of incomings and outgoings in the offing following a relatively sub-standard season judging from the high standards the Blues have set for themselves over the years under Guardiola.
Guardiola has a rebuilding job on his hands after signing a two-year deal with City in November and incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is expected to heavily back the 54-year-old, who is understood to be keen on signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen to replace De Bruyne.
According toFoot Mercato, whose information has been relayed by Get Football News France, De Bruyne has held ‘serious’ and ‘positive’ talks with Saudi second-tier club Neom SC and is open to joining the club when his City contract runs out in June.
San Diego FC in the United States have admitted to preliminary talks with De Bruyne’s representatives and with the midfielder entering the twilight of his playing career, most clubs would be skeptical to match his wages entered into his current Manchester City deal.
De Bruyne could yet stay on at City next season and it does appear that his form between now and the end of the season will have a focal role in his own decision and the club’s – with City eyeing a successful FA Cup run to finish a drab campaign with some form of silverware.
