Manchester City have been handed a major boost to their aims to keep Kevin De Bruyne this summer, despite interest from the Saudi Pro League.
De Bruyne is fast approaching his 10th season on the blue side of Manchester, where he has established himself as one of the club's greatest-ever players across a success-littered nine-year stint.
The 2023-24 campaign was a stop-start affair for De Bruyne, who suffered a serious hamstring injury on the opening day of the Premier League season and missed the next five months of action as a result.
Nevertheless, the playmaker returned to Pep Guardiola's side and hit the ground running to help the Citizens lift their fourth straight English crown, netting four times and providing 10 assists in 18 Premier League appearances overall.
With one year remaining on his current terms at the Etihad - coupled with strong links to the Saudi Pro League - there have been doubts over whether De Bruyne will remain as a Man City player at the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
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"Yes, yes" - De Bruyne hints at Man City stay
Speculation surrounding the future of De Bruyne intensified when it was revealed that the 33-year-old had spoken to Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo in December, when the Citizens were abroad taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, the former Wolfsburg midfielder has eased concerns over a possible exit from Man City while talking to Belgian news outlet HBVL, who asked whether it is safe to assume that he will be in Manchester next season, to which De Bruyne replied: "Yes, yes."
"I have read a lot of headlines about a transfer [to Saudi], but I have not spoken to anyone. Yes. I saw [Emenalo] at the Club World Cup. I know Michael – then it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it was not about that.
"I signed my contract at the right time. If there is a good offer and you tell Pep [Guardiola] 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."
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Guardiola knows when to let go
As alluded to by De Bruyne, although a move to the riches of the Middle East is not imminent, Man City boss Guardiola would not be afraid to allow key personnel to leave, especially if the player is pushing for a departure.
Such a situation arose last summer, when Cole Palmer, who was not guaranteed a regular place in the Citizens' first XI, switched to Chelsea, since becoming the Blues' shining light and standout performer.
Similarly, Ilkay Gundogan secured a switch across the continent to La Liga giants Barcelona in 2023, despite the Germain being an integral part of a Man City who had just lifted their third Premier League trophy in succession.
It is probable that De Bruyne's stint at the Etihad continues into a 10th campaign, although Man City supporters would be well-advised to savour every moment watching their Belgian playmaker, who could be on his way out at the expiration of his contract in 2025.
