Kevin De Bruyne Puts a Halt to Contract Negotiations with Man City

By Willow Austin
Published on 2024-03-16 00:02:37

Manchester City and their midfielder Kevin De Bruyne are currently in a holding pattern when it comes to contract negotiations, despite his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2025. Speculation has been swirling around De Bruyne’s future at Etihad Stadium following a stellar year in which he played a crucial role in the club winning all available trophies at the club level.

Despite his age, De Bruyne was one of Manchester City’s standout players last season, contributing significantly to their historic treble-winning campaign, which included the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title. This season, he has continued to be a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side, although his playing time has been limited due to a hamstring injury sustained early in the campaign, keeping him out of action for over four months.

According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester City is taking a cautious approach to contract talks with De Bruyne, considering various factors including age before committing to a new deal. While transfer rumors continue to swirl around the Belgian midfielder, the club is in no rush to extend his contract.

De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015, a year before Guardiola took over as manager. Since then, he has made 370 appearances for the club, scoring 98 goals and providing 166 assists in the process.

Guardiola recently confirmed that De Bruyne will not be available for Manchester City’s upcoming FA Cup clash against Newcastle United, citing ongoing injury concerns. Despite his absence, Guardiola expressed gratitude to the Belgian national team manager for allowing De Bruyne time to recover fully before the end of the season.

The decision to hold off on contract discussions with De Bruyne highlights the club’s cautious approach in managing their key players’ futures. While De Bruyne’s impact on the team is undeniable, Manchester City is prioritizing his long-term health and ensuring that any contract extension is in the best interest of both the player and the club.

As the speculation surrounding De Bruyne’s future continues to mount, Manchester City remains focused on the present, with Guardiola and his team striving for success on all fronts. The club’s decision to delay contract talks with De Bruyne reflects a strategic approach to managing their star player’s tenure at Etihad Stadium, with the club keen to ensure his fitness and longevity in Manchester City’s midfield for years to come.