De Bruyne's contract with City is set to expire at the end of the season and as of January he can begin talks with other clubs about a pre-contract agreement over a free summer transfer. While City's main aim remains to keep De Bruyne, the club are said to understand if he decides to leave.
Advertisement
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to a report by The Telegraph, City are prepared to offer the Belgian to one of their sister clubs next year. The transfer would provide De Bruyne the opportunity to join another side owned by the City Football Group. He has previously been connected to a move to the United States, where CFG club New York City play.
Getty Images
DID YOU KNOW?
The City Football Group owns four more European teams in addition to the Premier League champions: Girona, Palermo, Troyes and Lommel. Their portfolio, meanwhile, also includes clubs in Uruguay, Brazil, China, Japan, Australia and India. In addition, there are clubs in Bolivia, Singapore and Turkey that are not owned by CFG but have partnerships with the organisation.
WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?
It is still possible that De Bruyne may end up signing an extension and stay with Pep Guardiola's team for a few more years. It is apparent that the Belgian is still a key figure in the dressing room despite the injuries that have limited his playing time.