The Red Devils will not be able to rely on their captain during the coming matches. After all, Kevin De Bruyne forfeited the international matches in October and November to give his body sufficient rest. The toll of the overcrowded calendar is taking its toll, and De Bruyne is increasingly being linked with a departure from Manchester City.
The previous season also started dramatically for the playmaker. After missing a large part of the preparation due to injuries, he was injured again in the opening match of the PL. And the damage was quite extensive. De Bruyne even had to undergo surgery and faced months of rehabilitation.
Physical vicissitudes
Shortly after the New Year, he was able to make his return. And that comeback became a great success. De Bruyne ultimately scored 6 goals and 18 assists, despite only playing 26 games. In this way he had a considerable share in winning the English national title, his sixth with Man City.
De Bruyne remains an absolute top player. But this season he has once again had to deal with physical troubles. He has been out of action since September 19 due to a thigh injury. A consequence of his operation last year, but certainly also of the overcrowded calendar at the English top club in which he was already regularly busy.
Ronaldo insists
In addition, De Bruyne has an expiring contract at the Etihad Stadium. And so there is a good chance that he will leave City next summer. In that case, Saudi Arabia seems like a possible destination. The Saudis have previously shown interest and the playmaker also made it clear that he will not simply ignore such a lucrative offer.
Now, however, another element is emerging, namely Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese was by far the first superstar to move to Saudi Arabia, but has hardly won any major trophies with his club Al-Nassr. And Ronaldo wants to change that as soon as possible. According to Sports World he therefore urged the board to push through for KDB.
Sensational offer coming
According to Ronaldo, a player like De Bruyne is exactly what is needed for Al-Nassr to be able to win prizes. And the club management seems to follow him in this. So claims TeamTalk that the Saudis are already preparing an initial offer. That offer would give De Bruyne a weekly salary of no less than 1 million pounds, about 1.2 million euros.
A staggering wage, although still less than Ronaldo’s £3.4 million. For the time being it is not clear whether that is enough to lure the Red Devil to the desert. Only from January 1 will clubs be allowed to officially negotiate with players who have an expiring contract about a transfer-free transfer after the season.
