Contract Situation: De Bruyne's Manchester City contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, allowing him to leave for free.
Saudi Interest: Saudi second-tier side Neom SC is reportedly in advanced talks with De Bruyne.
Lucrative Offer: The potential deal is rumored to involve a staggering salary of around £60 million (€70 million) per season.
Player's Stance: De Bruyne has publicly stated that at his age (turning 34 in June 2025), he must be "open to everything," acknowledging the "unbelievable amounts" of money involved potentially at the end of his career and family considerations.
Previous Interest: MLS side San Diego FC also held talks, but discussions reportedly stalled due to wage demands. De Bruyne also turned down a different Saudi offer last summer.
Why this matters: This potential move highlights the increasing financial pull of Saudi Arabian football, capable of attracting top global talent even to its second division, and could mark the end of De Bruyne's iconic era at Manchester City.
Kevin De Bruyne's potential departure from Manchester City after a trophy-laden spell since 2015 marks a significant moment. While manager Pep Guardiola might prefer him to stay, the midfielder's age and contract situation make an exit plausible. Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness noted that a move could suit both parties, allowing City to refresh their squad and De Bruyne to secure a final, substantial contract.
Interest from San Diego FC indicated De Bruyne's openness to options outside Europe, but the financial package offered by Neom SC appears to be on another level. Neom SC, backed by significant investment, is aiming for promotion to the Saudi Pro League, making it an ambitious project. De Bruyne's own words to Belgian media underscore his pragmatic approach, balancing family needs (his eldest child knowing only England) with the financial realities of football's later career stages. Should the move materialize, it would represent one of the most high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia, further shifting the dynamics of global football transfers.
Q: Is Kevin De Bruyne definitely leaving Manchester City?
A: There's no official confirmation yet. His contract expires in summer 2025, and while talks with Neom SC are reportedly serious, the final decision rests with the player and the clubs involved.
Q: Why would a star like De Bruyne consider a second-division club?
A: The reported salary offer of ~£60m per year is exceptionally high. Furthermore, Neom SC is described as a powerful and ambitious club expected to gain promotion to the Saudi Pro League soon. De Bruyne himself mentioned considering such opportunities at this stage of his career.
Q: What other clubs have been linked?
A: Most recently, Neom SC (Saudi Arabia) and San Diego FC (MLS) have been strongly linked. Earlier, less concrete reports mentioned clubs like River Plate, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.
High-profile players often evaluate lucrative opportunities outside traditional top leagues as they approach the later stages of their careers.
The financial influence of Saudi Arabian football continues to grow, impacting the global transfer market significantly.
Keep an eye on official club and player announcements for confirmation of De Bruyne's future plans.
Do you think this trend of established stars moving to leagues like the Saudi Pro League will last? Let us know!
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Source 1: Daily Star{:target="_blank"}
Source 2: TribalFootball.com{:target="_blank"}
Source 3: Football Insider{:target="_blank"}
Source 4: Foot Mercato{:target="_blank"}
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