The transfer market has officially opened, providing many players with the opportunity to negotiate and sign with any club, as long as their current contracts expire on June 30. This is the situation facing Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City player.
Manchester City continues to face challenges both on and off the pitch, which explains the team’s current decline to sixth place in the English Premier League and their exit from the qualifying spots for European competitions. This reality has pushed Pep Guardiola to consider all options, fully aware of the extent of the team’s struggles this season.
The biggest concern, however, may be the potential loss of one of City’s key figures in recent years: Kevin De Bruyne. The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder previously stated that he is happy at City, but he also made it clear that this year could be his last unless an agreement is reached to renew his contract. He remarked, “I am not obsessed with these things, but I have not been offered anything yet.”
In response, Pep Guardiola softened his stance regarding De Bruyne’s contract renewal, stating: “I don’t know, the decision is up to Kevin. Whether this is the last season or the next, like David Silva, he will decide when it is best for him and the team. If he is available, he must play. We are here because we continue to win, and that is what keeps us here.”
At the same time, according to information from the Spanish newspaper “Defensa Central”, it seems that Guardiola has already identified a potential replacement for De Bruyne in the event of his departure: Jude Bellingham.
The young English midfielder, who is currently excelling with Real Madrid, may be a major target for the Spanish coach. However, Bellingham has made it clear in previous statements that he is not considering a return to the English Premier League after leaving Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing that Real Madrid represents “another level” for him.
These statements suggest that Guardiola’s attempt to lure Bellingham to Manchester City will be an uphill battle, especially since the player is fully aware of his place at Real Madrid, considering it the best club in the world, a sentiment he repeatedly declares at every opportunity.