It is news that Kevin De Bruyne (33, Manchester City), the “Premier League (PL) King,” has decided to join Saudi Arabia.
European football transfer market expert Rudy Galetti said on the 4th (Korea time) that “there was an oral agreement between RT Hard and The Bruyne. The delegation of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund (PIF) and several representatives of RT Hard spoke with him. The Bruyne approved the transfer.”
All that’s left is Manchester City’s choice. Galetti said, “It’s up to Manchester City now. Manchester City is also open to sending The Bruyne.”
According to Galetti, Al-Nasr, who also has Cristiano Ronaldo, also targeted The Bruyne. However, It seems that The Bruyne has gained the upper hand in the recruitment competition. Rumors have already been circulating that The Bruyne has started contacting Saudi Arabian clubs, but it seems to be taking shape quickly.
“It’s still unclear how City views The Bruyne. However, they are reportedly thinking of letting him go this summer when an acceptable offer comes. The contract is running out, so it’s a good choice to cash in if you have a chance,” he said.
Born in 1991, De Bruyne is still the best attacking midfielder in the PL. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has firmly established himself as a world-class midfielder. Along with Pep Guardiola, he has won six PL titles, one UEFA Champions League title, two FA Cup titles, and five EFL Cup titles.
The Bruyne also showed off his outstanding skills last season. Although he had a hamstring injury in the first half of the season, he showed great performance upon his return, helping him to a fourth consecutive PL victory for the first time in history. His performance in the 2023-20224 season amounted to six goals and 18 assists in 26 games.
Now it’s time for The Bruyne and Manchester City to make a new decision. The contract expires a year later in the summer of 2025. For now, Manchester City wants to continue with The Bruyne.
He is in his mid-30s, but it is hard to find a playmaker like The Bruyne in the world. He has scored 102 goals and 170 assists in a total of 382 games while playing for Manchester City.
However, The Bruyne has already said that he is considering going to Saudi Arabia. “There is one year left on my contract. I have to figure out what will happen,” he told Belgium’s HLN newspaper last month. “My oldest son is 8 years old now, and all I know is England. He also asks me how long I will be playing for Manchester City. Once the time comes, I have to deal with it in some way.”
Currently, The Bruyne earns the most money in the PL with 400,000 pounds (about 700 million won) per week. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s “oil money” is an irresistible temptation. He admitted honestly, “At my age, I have to be open to everything. I’m talking about an incredible amount of money that could be the end of my career. Sometimes I have to think about that.”
He continued, “Playing in Saudi Arabia for two years will make you an incredible amount of money. I had to play soccer for 15 years so far. You may not have reached that amount yet. Then next time I have to think about what it will mean. But for now, I don’t have to think about it yet.” 업소알바
Of course, it is not his intention to leave Manchester City right now. However, he seems to be seriously considering going to Saudi Arabia to the extent that he is talking to his family. “My wife said exotic adventure is okay with her, too. We’re having these conversations more and more as a family,” he added.
If The Bruyne wants to leave, it is hard for Manchester City to hold him back. A year later, he could face a situation where he has to be released for free.
The biggest variable is Guardiola’s future. Chances are high that he will lead the team until the 2024-2025 season and complete his nine-year journey. He also said that he was already out of motivation and left a comment that seemed to hint at separation. For Manchester City, it is a scenario in which it would like to avoid sending Guardiola and The Bruyne away at once.
In a way, the situation is similar with Son and Tottenham. With one year left to sign with Tottenham, Son is also receiving a love call from Saudi Arabia. As Son, born in 1992, is in his mid-30s, Saudi Arabia’s offer will be all the more tempting.
However, unlike The Bruyne, Son has no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia yet. Last year, Son said, “I love soccer. Money is important, but it was a dream to play in the PL. I still have a lot of work to do.” Son said this summer, “I will always do my best for Tottenham. I want to keep my promise that I want to present a championship to Tottenham.”
