Heading into the summer there were question marks surrounding the futures of several key players for Manchester City. With the European Championships and Copa America taking centre stage during the summer updates had been scarce surrounding several City stars. But as nations Euro 24 hopes end updates are beginning to filter out surrounding several of the champion’s key players. The latest update surrounds the future of Kevin De Bruyne. If he were to leave the world champions may be about to begin the rebuild of their squad sooner than expected.
Rudy Galleti has reported on X that De Bruyne has reached a verbal agreement with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Galleti further reports that a delegation of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and representatives of the Al-Ittihad have spoken to the Belgium international captain. Rudy Galleti adds that De Bruyne has given them his ‘approval’ for the transfer. Furthermore, Galleti reports that Manchester City are open to selling De Bruyne this summer.
If Kevin De Bruyne was to depart Manchester City the champions will have to begin their rebuild sooner than expected.
Based on Rudy Galleti’s report the possible departure of Kevin De Bruyne could be a real possibility. If that proves to be the case then City will be forced to begin the rebuild of their squad sooner rather than later. De Bruyne remains a key piece of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Replacing him will be no easy task for Manchester City. Despite De Bruyne’s age and recent injury history he remains a leader and a key player for the world champions. Finding a player or players to replace his contribution to Manchester City is almost impossible. He is a one-of-a-kind player and it will take time for a player or players to come in to replace what he brings to the City squad. What De Bruyne decides to do in regards to his future will dictate City’s approach in the summer transfer window.
To date it has been a quiet transfer window for Manchester City. But that may be about to change. The champions will be forced to act in the market if De Bruyne does decide to head to the Gulf State. The time for the champions to rebuild their squad has always appeared to be just over the horizon. But it may be about to fully come into view if De Bruyne does leave the club this summer.