Kevin De Bruyne Reportedly Considered Retirement Plan before Saudi Offer, as Transfer Stance is Revealed

Reports suggest that Kevin De Bruyne had initially planned to retire at Manchester City in 2026. However, last summer, he received a massive offer from Saudi Arabia, which has raised questions about his future plans. The situation is said to be in City's hands, as they will have a significant say in whether De Bruyne remains at the club or pursues other opportunities.

De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation in the Premier League. Since his return to England from Wolfsburg, he has made 367 appearances for City and scored 98 goals. At 32 years old, the midfielder has been contemplating how he wants to end his career.

His current contract with Manchester City expires in the summer of 2025, leaving him with just one more season on his existing terms. However, prior to the Saudi offer, De Bruyne had reportedly planned to extend his contract by another year, intending to retire at the age of 35.

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The astronomical offer from the Saudi Pro League would have seen De Bruyne earn £59.7 million per year, presenting a significant financial temptation. The decision ultimately rests with Manchester City, who will have to weigh the financial aspects against their desire to retain one of their key players.

According to The Athletic, Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly decided to stick with his previous retirement plan, despite snubbing an approach from Saudi Arabia last summer. However, there has been ongoing dialogue with Michael Emenalo, the sporting director of the Saudi Pro League.

The key factor in determining whether De Bruyne will retire while playing for Manchester City is said to be how willing the club is to offer him the contract terms he desires in a fresh extension. In 2021, De Bruyne felt that he was not being offered what he believed he was worth and enlisted the help of data experts to substantiate his value.

Manchester City has a policy of offering short-term contracts to players over the age of 30, as Ilkay Gundogan experienced during contract discussions at the end of last season. This approach led Gundogan to opt for a move to Barcelona, feeling that City intensified contract talks too late.

It remains to be seen how Manchester City will handle De Bruyne's contract negotiations and whether they will meet his demands, ultimately influencing his decision on retirement and his future with the club.

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