I’m pretty sure Manchester City fans were rocked by the news about Kevin De Bruyne agreeing on personal terms with Al-Ittihad.
Understandably so, as he is Manchester City’s best player—perhaps not by a mile—and leader. He is Pep Guardiola’s right-hand man, and Man City wouldn’t be where they are now without him.
Sure, the Belgian international isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore. Once called a ‘Chelsea reject,’ the now 33-year-old De Bruyne has proven to the world that he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play.
With the Sky Blues, De Bruyne won everything there is to win at the club level.
He was Premier League champion six times, a Champions League winner, two FA Cups, and countless individual awards and performances.
He has tallied a lot of miles on his knees and is now close to the twilight of his stellar career. For some, it would be high time to capitalise on De Bruyne; act now, and let’s get something for him whilst he still has a lot of value left.
The words I just uttered are those of rival SBOTOP Premier League fans waiting, and lurking patiently for City’s downfall—indeed, they have waited for far too long now.
But for those ardent supporters from the Etihad, KDB should most definitely stay and end his career with the club.
The Belgian midfielder’s contract expires in 2025, and with City never short on midfield talent—and recruitment ability—it seems as if letting De Bruyne go would not be the worst thing to do.
But say that to Pep Guardiola’s face; I dare you.
According to Premier League 2024 news, Guardiola is iron-clad that his star man isn’t leaving Manchester anytime soon.
“Kevin isn’t leaving,” he said before his side played Celtic in a friendly in the United States.
Guardiola is also adamant about the fact that his squad will stay more or less the same next year.
“I don’t rule out new players as an option, but I think there is an 85-95 per cent chance we will have the same squad,” he added.
But even if De Bruyne does re-sign, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he eventually takes his talents overseas near the end of his career.
As we have seen time and time again, the brightest stars of the game have gone abroad to play in lower tiers and secure a huge payday, without the added pressure of winning in Europe’s finest leagues.
Whilst Guardiola’s statement is firm, anything can happen in this crazy footballing world. So, I implore you to not rule anything out just yet.
What of the other Citizens?
Aside from De Bruyne, other top City players are also being courted, either by offering them one last chance for a huge payday or by joining clubs with even bigger stature.
Both Rodri and Ederson have been on the rumour mill lately—for two very different clubs at that.
A Ballon d’Or candidate and Euro 2024’s Player of the Tournament, Rodri couldn’t complain, even if he wanted to, considering the year he’s had. Honour after honour, both individually and as a team, the 28-year-old Spanish ace is one of the hottest names in football today.
And when you are crazy talented, do expect Real Madrid to contact your club for inquiries.
In fact, fellow Spain international teammate Dani Carvajal has been asking Rodri to leave the gloomy English weather for Spanish sun. Carvajal, a long-time Real Madrid player, knows a thing or two about greatness within the squad, and he absolutely thinks Rodri would fit right in.
Well, Rodri is from Madrid, and he’s already won a whole lot with City. I can imagine it’s not too far off before the urge to join the Los Blancos becomes too much to resist.
Whilst Rodri is being enticed with the promise of legacy, Ederson, on the other hand, is being offered cash. A whole lot of cash.
The 30-year-old has been the man between the sticks for City for more than five years now. And the Saudi Pro League thinks they can snag the Brazilian away.
Reports have circulated that the goalie is valued by City to be worth at least €50 to €60 million.
If somehow all these transfer rumours push through, then the Premier League 2024 odds for next season’s champion will be wide open.
Remember, there’s no smoke without fire.
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