Kevin De Bruyne has now disclosed whether he could consider leaving Manchester City.
In June, the midfield maestro opened the door to a transfer to a club in the Saudi Pro League.
However, De Bruyne has looked like he has plenty left in the tank since returning from injury for both City and Belgium — unlike the likes of N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Karim Benzema, who looked like they were way past their best from a physical standpoint to continue playing at the highest level when they headed to Saudi Arabia.
But then again, perhaps Manchester City’s number 17 was pondering over the prospect of leaving the Sky Blues on a high after winning his fourth Premier League title in a row. So far, the world remained in the dark about whether one of the best players in the game was set to bid farewell to European football.
Kevin De Bruyne suggests big-money offer could tempt Man City exit
Having turned 33 on Friday, time is of the essence as far as the treble-winner’s career goes.
In several occasions, former players have decided to depart the highest level of football at the decorated creator’s age.
But De Bruyne has confirmed that he is set to stay at Manchester City.
The six-time Premier League winner told Het Nieuwsblad: “Yes [I will stay at Manchester City]. I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but I haven’t spoken to anyone.”
“I saw him [Michael Emanalo, the sporting director of the Saudi Pro League] at the Club World Cup. I know Michael – then it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn’t about that.”
“It’s hard to say now [what he will do after leaving City]. We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.”
“I signed my contract at the right time.”
De Bruyne went on to suggest that if he receives an offer too good to turn down from a financial point of view, he could consider departing the Etihad Stadium.
“If there is a good offer and you tell Pep [Guardiola] that you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.”
“I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… That is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends.”
The Kevin De Bruyne hint should not worry Man City supporters
Unlike in usual cases of transfer speculation around a player, the Belgian skipper is not holding his cards close to his chest.
The legendary playmaker is not beating around the bush by suggesting that a massive financial offer could tempt him to leave City.
However, for the time being, De Bruyne has committed his future to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola will be relieved to discover that he can still rely on his talismanic midfielder to deliver for him on the pitch.
As for Manchester City supporters, they can continue to watch arguably their club’s greatest-ever player do what he does best, starting from next season.
It will be intriguing to discover when De Bruyne decides to potentially prioritise a big-money move in his career but as things stand, he will stay put in East Manchester.