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According to journalist Jeremy Cross of Daily Star, Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne is set to turn down a £156 million contract for three years from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. De Bruyne, whose deal with City is set to expire in 2025, has decided to snub the move after discussing it with his wife.
The family reportedly has particular reservations about changing their eldest son's school. They don't want a sudden environmental change for their kids.
Al-Ittihad came in with a mega offer for the Belgian, as the Jeddah-based side look to bolster their ranks to compete against the likes of Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. De Bruyne has been one of Manchester City's and also the Premier League's standout players since his 2015 return to English football.
He has so far scored 102 goals and has provided 170 assists in 382 appearances for the Cityzens. The midfielder, who turned 33 last month, scored six goals and provided 18 assists in 26 appearances in the 2023-24 season in what was an injury-plagued season.
He has won a plethora of trophies with City so far, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. De Bruyne looks set to stay in Manchester next season, turning down Al-Ittihad's eye-watering monetary offer.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects a majorly unchanged squad in 2024-25
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was recently asked about his squad for the 2024-25 season. The Spaniard expects the majority of the side to stay the same despite confessing that he doesn't know how the transfer market would pan out.
Guardiola hailed the squad at his disposal and claimed that it would be difficult to replace the quality the team possess. He said in a recent press conference (via Telegraph India):
"I am delighted with the squad for many years. I don't know what will happen in the market if someone leaves, we will talk about that. But 85-95% we'l have the same squad."
When further asked about De Bruyne's future at the club, Guardiola claimed the Belgian wouldn't leave. Judging by the current reports, the Spanish coach is right in his take on the matter.
