Manchester City halted negotiations for a contract extension with Kevin De Bruyne, despite his esteemed position in the team. The English sources have recently confirmed this development, shedding light on City’s decision regarding their longest-serving player. De Bruyne’s current contract is set to expire in two years, but the club seems ready to bid farewell to the influential Belgian midfielder.
De Bruyne faced a significant injury at the start of the season, forcing him to halt his contributions until early 2024. Despite this setback, he played a crucial role in helping Manchester City secure victory in various competitions the previous year. Unfortunately, a severe ligament injury during the Champions League final against Inter Milan forced De Bruyne to take an extended break, influencing City’s decision to pursue other options.
This injury led Manchester City to consider acquiring Luca Paqueta from West Ham, demonstrating their eagerness to secure a suitable replacement. However, the Paqueta deal collapsed due to betting suspicions. Nonetheless, Coach Pep Guardiola successfully experimented with Phil Foden in De Bruyne’s position, displaying City’s adaptability and the potential within their squad.
Although De Bruyne’s contract extension negotiations were halted due to concerns over his recovery from the injury, Manchester City still displayed confidence in their other midfield options. The previous season showcased De Bruyne’s exceptional form, with seven goals and 18 assists in the Premier League. Yet, as he is now 32 years old and returning from a severe ligament injury, doubts about maintaining this level of performance persist.
Guardiola’s cautious approach is understandable, given the uncertainties surrounding De Bruyne’s future form. The decision to delay contract extension talks reflects the club’s careful consideration of the situation. Manchester City aims to secure a successor for De Bruyne, potentially grooming Phil Foden or another midfielder to fill the void left by the Belgian maestro.
The club’s history under Guardiola has seen a relatively smooth transition of positions, except for the departure of Vincent Kompany, which left a noticeable gap in the defense. Despite this, Manchester City remains optimistic about the future, as they prepare for De Bruyne’s final year at the Etihad Stadium.
