Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is considering extending his stay at the Etihad beyond the end of this season, despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer.
The Belgian playmaker, whose contract expires in the summer, remains a crucial figure for Pep Guardiola’s side and is reportedly keen on staying in Europe to maintain his elite level ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
De Bruyne’s potential suitors include San Diego FC, who are set to debut in MLS next year, and several Saudi Pro League giants willing to offer lucrative contracts.
However, sources close to the player suggest he remains committed to competing at the highest level.
Speaking about his future, De Bruyne emphasised his desire to make the right decision for his career.
“I feel good at City, and I know I can still perform at the top level. My focus is on finishing the season strong and then making the best choice for my future.”
Manchester City officials remain optimistic about keeping their midfield maestro, with Guardiola publicly expressing his hopes for an extended stay.
The City manager stated* “Kevin has been an incredible part of this club for years. We want him to stay, but ultimately, it’s his decision.”
With contract talks expected to intensify in the coming months, De Bruyne’s next move will be closely watched by football fans worldwide.
La Liga has officially lodged a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Manchester City of violating EU competition laws by receiving undisclosed financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
The complaint, submitted by La Liga President Javier Tebas, alleges that these funds were used to artificially boost Manchester City’s revenues and circumvent UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Tebas stated, "This is a clear case of financial doping that distorts the competitive balance across Europe," emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention.
He further argued that Manchester City’s actions have "created an uneven playing field," disadvantaging clubs that comply with financial regulations.
In response, Manchester City has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their financial practices are fully compliant with all regulations.
A club spokesperson stated, "Manchester City operates within the rules and remains confident that an impartial review will confirm this."
The club's financial dealings have already been under scrutiny due to over 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, including accusations of overstating sponsorship revenues.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to comment directly on the allegations during a recent press conference, responding with a curt "Next question" when asked about the issue.
If found guilty, the club could face severe penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even exclusion from European competitions.