Following his most recent performance for City, there will probably be more conjecture over De Bruyne’s future. The Belgium international’s current deal has just 15 months left on it, but according to The Mirror, he may be eligible for an extension of one year at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne, however, is reportedly drawing interest from the Saudi Pro League, where he could be paid an incredible £1 million a week. There have also been rumors of a lucrative move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with the belief that America is more appealing to him than the Middle East. This summer may be City’s last opportunity to profit from the move.
City will almost definitely need to raise De Bruyne’s current reported pay of £400,000 per week, which are second only to Haaland’s salary, in order to lock him down to a renewal. If he was still the first player listed on Guardiola’s roster and spearheading City’s most recent trophy push, it would be simple to defend, but that is not the case.
De Bruyne will still be crucial to City’s success in the coming months as they need his creativity to break down defenses that are content to sit back and block. The Manchester team is not nearly as dependent on him as they once were, and he does seem to be in a condition of slow decline, but his amazing assist against Liverpool shows he can still make an impact in the biggest games.
What’s next?
If City were to go on and win the championship, possibly an unprecedented second consecutive triple, and qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals, then keeping peace in the locker room will also be crucial. Guardiola downplayed De Bruyne’s outburst at Anfield, but given his demanding schedule, which forces him to continue rotating frequently, he won’t tolerate a repeat performance.
Whatever happens between now and the conclusion of the season, De Bruyne will always be remembered as a City great and possibly the best midfield player in English football history. But like David Silva, Fernandinho, and Sergio Aguero before him, he has passed his prime, thus one should lower his expectations appropriately.
A magnificent farewell party at the Etihad is definitely feasible if he does. Given his continued value, City supporters in particular won’t want to see De Bruyne eased away.
Right now, though, his primary responsibility is to mentor the team’s younger players, such as Foden, Rico Lewis, and Oscar Bobb, in preparation for eventually giving up creative control completely. Before it’s too late, De Bruyne needs to own up to his lack of balance.
