In an admission that he is willing to leave Manchester City in order to complete his career, Kevin De Bruyne stated he is drawn to Saudi Arabia because of the amazing wealth there.
The 33-year-old Belgian international still has a year left on his City deal. Last month, Telegraph Sport reported that Saudi Pro League teams are prepared to hold out on signing one of the biggest Premier League players on a Bosman free transfer.
Nevertheless, in light of De Bruyne’s remarks to Belgian broadcasters VTM, Saudi teams may decide to proceed with a move sooner than anticipated.
After an incredible nine years at Etihad Stadium, where he won six titles and the Champions League, De Bruyne paved the way for his move to the Middle East.
“You have to be open to everything at my age.” You’re discussing enormous sums of money at a time when my career might be coming to an end. When questioned about a possible move to Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne replied, “Sometimes you have to think about that.”
I will be able to make a huge sum of money if I play there for two years. I had to play football for fifteen years prior to that. I might not even get close to that sum yet. You then need to consider what that might imply going forward. However, I haven’t had to consider that as of yet.
Michael Emenalo, the chief football executive of the Saudi Pro League, told Telegraph Sport that his goal is to develop a “absolute top product” that players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland would want to play in.
After spending £767 million to buy 94 foreign players last summer, Emenalo continued, saying that the SPL will strive to attract players of the “types of players” that Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and De Bruyne are.
As previously stated, Pep Guardiola stated that he would not obstruct a player’s request to leave the team, saying, “From my point of view, I have said this to the club many times.” I offer my advice to the club, and they determine whether or not the transfer benefits both parties as well as the player.
“Why? If you block a transfer, I believe that indicates that you are a minor club. Big clubs don’t give a damn. They decide in a way that benefits the players, both teams, and occasionally the agents. Therefore, it truly isn’t an issue.
After leaving Wolfsburg to join City in 2015, De Bruyne and his wife Michèle had three children while he was at Chelsea. Since then, they have returned to England.
The midfield player claimed to have talked to his wife about “an exotic adventure” and the potential effects of moving on their family.
An unusual journey is fine for Michèle, according to De Bruyne. We are also talking about these topics more and more as a family. I have to consider my options because I have one year remaining on my contract. At eight years old, my eldest child has never left England. How long will I play for City, he also asks? When that time comes, we’ll need to handle it a certain way.
