Kevin De Bruyne will reportedly have to push for a transfer away from Manchester City if he is to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
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Belgian star joined Blues in 2015Has deal to complete decade of serviceLinked with a move to the Middle EastWHAT HAPPENED?
Belgium international De Bruyne, who moved to the Etihad Stadium in 2015, has spoken in the past of his desire to complete a decade of service with the reigning Premier League champions. He is working on a contract until 2025.
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There has been talk of interest from the Middle East being shown in the classy midfielder with the potential there for City to generate a fee from any sale in the next window. Alongside the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, De Bruyne has seen former team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte head to Saudi Arabia.
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The funds are certainly on offer there to make a deal possible, but the reports that City would only enter into negotiations if De Bruyne expressed a desire to move on. For now, he is said to be happy in England.
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De Bruyne, who is a two-time PFA Player of the Year, has made 370 appearances for City – helping them to 14 trophies. Injuries have become more of an issue in recent times, at 32 years of age, but the Blues have shown with the likes of Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan in the past that they are happy to let modern-day icons run their deals down to free agency.