Kevin De Bruyne to reject Saudi Pro League transfer? Man City want star man to sign contract extension amid interest from Middle East

Kevin De Bruyne has been of interest to Saudi Pro League officials, however, Manchester City want the Belgian to sign a new contract with the club.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
Getting on the Saudi Pro League bandwagon might make De Bruyne close to £1 million per week. The 33-year-old, nevertheless, is happy at the Etihad and with his life in Manchester with his three children and wife. De Bruyne's current £375,000-per-week deal has eighteen months left on it. However, City intends to reach an agreement that will extend his contract until the summer of 2026 and surpass ten years of service.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
When Man City paid Wolfsburg £55 million ($69.8m) in 2015 for a player who didn't work out at Chelsea, concerns were raised. De Bruyne, however, is a strong contender to be regarded as the greatest midfielder of the Premier League era because of his five championships, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the Champions League. The former Chelsea midfielder returned from a five-month injury lay-off last week to inspire the champions to a crucial 3-2 win at Newcastle with a goal and an assist.
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
Talking after the match against Newcastle, Man City boss Pep Guardiola said: "Kevin is a legend. He is loved by our people and, hopefully, in the last months he can help us be there to the end. We need players like Kevin. We need him to do something special in the final third. That is not tactical ability but talent, individual talent. I think everybody agrees we made a really good performance against such a physical team in Newcastle."

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WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?
It seems likely that despite the interest from Saudi Arabia and the huge pay package it brings with it, the Belgian star may prefer to stay put in England for the coming years at the least, while he is still playing at a high level. He will next be in action when Man City take on Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth-round clash.

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