At the Etihad Stadium, the 33-year-old playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is entering the final 12 months of his contract. As a prominent Belgium international, De Bruyne has naturally attracted interest from various teams, notably from the affluent Saudi Pro League. Despite the attention, no contract extension has been finalized yet.
The broader situation is that Al-Ittihad, a team that has already secured high-profile players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho, was particularly keen on adding De Bruyne to their roster. De Bruyne, a six-time Premier League title winner, was reportedly open to the lucrative offer presented by Al-Ittihad.
However, according to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Al-Ittihad is stepping back due to Manchester City’s financial demands. The club had tabled a £25 million ($32 million) bid for De Bruyne, but this offer was rejected by City, who are holding out for a figure closer to £50 million ($64 million).
As a result, Al-Ittihad, confident in their current midfield options, have decided to withdraw from pursuing De Bruyne for the time being. They believe that with players like Houssem Aouar already under contract, they have sufficient quality in the midfield to meet their immediate needs.
Nevertheless, if De Bruyne does not secure a contract extension and continues on the path towards free agency, he may once again become a target for Al-Ittihad in 2025. The club could revisit their interest in the Belgian playmaker, considering the possibility of acquiring him without a transfer fee.
In the meantime, De Bruyne remains a key player for Manchester City, and his future, whether it involves a new deal with his current club or a move abroad, will undoubtedly be a topic of considerable speculation and interest.
