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- Kevin De Bruyne turned down serious interest from Saudi Arabia last season
- Several clubs are keeping an eye on his situation but he is relaxed over his future
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Manchester City will allow Kevin De Bruyne to determine his own future as the veteran enters the final five months of his contract.
De Bruyne, the most decorated player in City’s history, had serious interest from Saudi Arabia last season but chose to remain with Pep Guardiola’s side.
After featuring 23 times so far this term, the Belgian is understood to be open to extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond a decade.
De Bruyne – who earns £385,000 a week after negotiating his own contract without an agent in 2021 – is settled in the North West with a young family and continues to enjoy working under Guardiola.
MLS clubs, including San Diego, have been keeping an eye on his situation and the 33-year-old has publicly insisted that he is relaxed about the situation.
Although formal talks over an extension have to take place between the two parties, City are happy for De Bruyne to take his time on deciding next steps and not rushing him into a firm decision.
Manchester City will allow Kevin De Bruyne to make a decision over his own future
De Bruyne has entered the final five months of his deal but is open to extending his stay
He is the most decorated player in the club’s history and has snubbed serious past interest
The central midfielder has shown an understanding of his changing role within City’s team and has taken the captain’s armband permanently after Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan.
Guardiola named him on the bench for Saturday’s victory over Chelsea before then reintroducing him into the starting XI for Wednesday’s nervous Champions League win against Club Bruges.
After injury problems plagued the Treble season and last year’s historic fourth consecutive league title, there is an acceptance that De Bruyne should be utilised more sparingly if he is to produce his best in the big moments.
Meanwhile, City will register Rodri as part of their 25-man Champions League squad for the knockout stages despite a double knee injury that has kept him out since September.
Rodri was named in the roster earlier in the season and will keep his spot in the potential eventuality of his recovery progressing quickly and City going deep in the competition.
They will find out on Friday whether Real Madrid or Bayern Munich are their opponents in the playoff round, which begins on February 11.
City can make three changes to their squad and will include new signing Omar Marmoush, who arrived from Frankfurt.
Defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have also signed, with City also looking for a central midfielder before the transfer window shuts on Monday.
