Saudi clubs likely to target Manchester City star for free transfer | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne is likely to be a target for Saudi Pro League clubs next summer, with the Manchester City star’s contract expiring in June.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City runs with the ball under pressure from Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

After many years in England with Chelsea and Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has played against no club more than Arsenal.

The midfielder has made 21 appearances against the Gunners, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in all competitions. But February’s Premier League meeting at the Emirates Stadium could well be his last in the fixture.

Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that De Bruyne is likely to emerge as a target for the Saudi Pro League next summer.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Kevin De Bruyne and Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

De Bruyne reportedly actively sought a potential move to the Middle East last summer, but he ended up staying with City for another year.

Yet the 33-year-old continues to run down his contract, which is set to expire in June. As a result, Mokbel reports that he’s set to re-emerge as a target for a number of Saudi clubs next year.

This is De Bruyne’s 10th season with Manchester City, so it would be understandable if he wanted a fresh start somewhere else.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal battles for possession with Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on March 31, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Perhaps a cynical take on the situation might also reference the fact that City may well face heavy punishments from the Premier League over their 115 charges next year.

Signing a contract extension before knowing the outcome of that case could mean consigning yourself to lower-league football at the tail end of your career.

It’s only a matter of time before we know more on both De Bruyne’s future and the future of his current club.