Kevin De Bruyne Explains Contract Talk Pause Amid Transfer Rumors

Man City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has outlined why he paused contract negotiations amid rumors of a potential summer exit.

Man City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has disclosed the reasons for pausing his contract discussions amid rumors of a potential summer transfer from the club. The Belgian player has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium due to interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. Some reports stated that the midfielder had already settled personal terms with a Saudi team, and the 33-year-old hinted at the move earlier this year.

De Bruyne commented: “At my age, you have to be open to everything. You're talking about enormous sums of money at potentially the end of my career. Sometimes, you have to reflect on that. If I spend two years in Saudi Arabia, I could earn a huge amount. Before that, I've played football for 15 years and haven't even achieved that amount yet. You need to think about what that could mean next. However, for now, I haven't thought about it.”

Currently, the Belgian remains at Man City, in the final year of his contract, acknowledging that contract discussions have been paused due to injury issues. During a press conference on Monday, De Bruyne said: “Honestly, I'm not sure. At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen, but then the injury against Brentford altered my plans. It was supposed to be a couple of days, but it turned into eight or nine weeks. I put it all aside. A summer conversation hadn't materialized due to the injury, which left me not in the right frame of mind to discuss it. I need to get back on the pitch and be myself again. There's no rush, no discomfort, I'm not worried.

One report on Monday indicated that De Bruyne is one of three key Man City players who are 'definitely leaving' next summer. When asked if Pep Guardiola signing a new contract could expedite discussions, De Bruyne added: “It could help. I know what the future holds, I don't have to discuss it with Pep if there would be a new coach, then you have to speak. Maybe Pep changes his mind and says, thank you, Kevin, it's time to leave, but I know how he works with the team and players, so that's nothing new to me. Questions will come, but I can only provide the answers I have at this time. Talks will come; if they don't, it'll be my last year. I just want to play good football.”