Kevin De Bruyne Agrees With Al Ittihad, Transfer Value Discussed

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne while defending the Belgian national team at Euro 2024 (Instagram/@belgianreddvils)

JAKARTA - Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly approved a personal requirement to join the Saudi Pro-League club Al Ittihad. After spending nearly a decade at the Etihad, the current Belgian midfielder contract at the club will expire at the end of next season. The two clubs are currently negotiating the transfer fee for the 33-year-old player. Al Ittihad, who is now being handled by former France defender and Manchester United coach Laurent Blanc, has many star players. There are the names N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, Fabinho and Jota. Despite spending a lot of money last summer, the club owned by the Public Investment Fund was only able to finish fifth in the league with a difference of more than 40 behind the leaders of the Al Hilal standings.

Earlier last month, De Bruyne said it was difficult to turn down a proposal from a Middle Eastern club. "My contract is only a year away (at Manchester City), so I have to think about going forward. At this age, I have to be open to all opportunities. If I have to play two years there, I will get great money," said De Bruyne.