As the transfer window heats up, speculation surrounds Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, not only about potential signings but also about significant player exits.
While players like RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, who shone for Spain at Euro 2024, have been linked with a move to City, these rumors lack substantial backing. Instead, the real buzz in Manchester is about the potential departures of key players, notably Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson, who are reportedly targets of the Saudi Pro League.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of City’s most pivotal figures, is being courted by the Saudi Pro League to become one of their marquee signings for 2024. According to 90min, the Saudi interest in the 33-year-old Belgian,
who is entering the final year of his contract, has been ongoing since February. The allure of a move to the Middle East is significant, with substantial financial incentives on the table.
De Bruyne himself has acknowledged the possibility of an exit. Reflecting on his future, he stated, “I still have one year left on my contract, so I have to think about what could happen. My eldest is now eight years old and knows nothing but England.
He also asks how long I will play for City. Once the moment comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way. At my age you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has reported that personal terms have already been agreed upon between De Bruyne and Al Ittihad, a club that boasts stars like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante.
However, discussions over the transfer fee are still ongoing. It’s uncertain whether City would part with a player who has arguably been the Premier League’s biggest star over the past decade.
Simultaneously, Ederson, City’s star goalkeeper, is also attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian could potentially become the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world if he decides to move. 90min reported in May that City would not obstruct Ederson’s departure if he wished to pursue a new challenge.
This stance aligns with City’s policy of not standing in the way of players seeking new opportunities. However, any deal would need to meet City’s valuation of Ederson, which is at least £40 million.
Clubs like Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, both backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are in the market for a new goalkeeper. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest that Ederson had previously agreed to personal terms with Al Nassr.
If City agrees to sell, Ederson could join the exodus of top talents heading to the Middle East, drawn by lucrative contracts and the chance to become global football icons.
City’s openness to negotiations for both De Bruyne and Ederson reflects a broader trend in football where established stars consider moves to leagues offering substantial financial rewards, especially as they approach the twilight of their careers. For City, the challenge will be balancing these potential high-profile exits with their ambitions to remain competitive on all fronts.
As the transfer window progresses, the focus will be on whether the Saudi Pro League can finalize these deals and what City’s response will be. The outcomes could significantly impact the team’s dynamics and strategies for the upcoming seasons, marking a period of transition for Guardiola’s squad.
