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.
Bayern Munich, under the guidance of head coach Vincent Kompany, secured a 2-1 victory over Celtic in their Champions League playoff first leg at Celtic Park.
The match saw Michael Olise open the scoring with a stunning strike just before halftime, followed by Harry Kane doubling the lead early in the second half with a volley from a Joshua Kimmich corner.
Despite Bayern controlling 70% possession in the first half, Celtic's disciplined defense kept them at bay until Olise's breakthrough.
Celtic's Nicolas Kühn had an early effort ruled offside, and Daizen Maeda later reduced the deficit with a close-range header in the 79th minute.
Celtic pressured Bayern in the final stages, but Bayern's defense, including a crucial late save from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, preserved their lead.
Reflecting on the performance, Kompany stated, "Celtic pushed us to the limit in the final minutes, but our squad showed great composure under pressure. These are the moments that define top teams."
Celtic, backed by a passionate home crowd, displayed determination and intensity as they fought to find an equalizer.
The Scottish club came close on multiple occasions, forcing Bayern's defense into crucial interventions.
Despite the loss, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers took positives from his team’s performance, saying, "I'm incredibly proud of the fight we showed. We went toe-to-toe with one of Europe's best, and on another night, we could have taken something from the game."
With this result, Bayern holds a narrow advantage heading into the second leg in Munich, while Celtic faces the challenge of overturning the deficit to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
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