Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Qadsiah have identified Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne as their top transfer target for next summer, according to a report.
The 32-year-old is Man City's longest-serving player within Pep Guardiola's current squad having spent eight-and-a-half hugely successful years at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne has scored 96 goals and registered 153 assists in 358 appearances for the Citizens across all tournaments, and he was a standout performer in the club's historic treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, contributing with 10 goals and 28 assists in 49 matches.
The playmaker, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football, has won a total of 14 trophies with Man City, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League.
De Bruyne, who is closing in on a return to first-team action following over four months out with a hamstring injury, is believed to be facing an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium as his contract is due to expire in June 2025.
© Reuters
According to Goal, De Bruyne may decide to leave Man City this summer if he receives an offer from Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) are said to have reignited their interest in the Belgium international and have been in touch with him over a proposed transfer this summer.
A separate report from Saudi Arabian journalist Nawaf Al Aqeel claims that Saudi second-tier side Al-Qadsiah have placed De Bruyne at the top of their wishlist for the summer transfer window.
Al-Qadsiah only finished 11th in the second tier last season, but they have since made significant improvements and have transformed into promotion contenders this term, as they currently sit at the top of the table after 16 matches, six points clear of their nearest challengers.
© Reuters
Former Man City and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler was sacked as manager of Al-Qadsiah in October last year after just four months in charge, and former Real Madrid player Michel has since taken the reigns, winning four of his first seven games.
Man City presumably have no interest in parting ways with De Bruyne at present, but it has previously been reported that an offer of at least £50m could tempt the Club World Cup champions to cash in on the playmaker.
The Citizens allowed two first-team stars to leave the club and move to Saudi Arabia last summer, with Riyad Mahrez moving to Al-Ahli and Aymeric Laporte joining Al-Nassr.
De Bruyne is currently building up his fitness in first-team training with Man City and may be in a position to make his long-awaited comeback in Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash at home against Huddersfield Town.
Oliver Thomas
