Kevin De Bruyne's Age Is A Factor In Contract Talks With Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne is not yet clear about his future at Manchester City (Instagram/@kevindebruyne).

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said that Kevin De Bruyne's age would be a factor in contract talks with Manchester City.

The Citizens are still thinking carefully to grant De Bruyne a new contract extension considering that he is no longer young.

The Belgian National Team midfielder has been one of Manchester City's star players since joining the club in 2015.

However, the 33-year-old will end his contract with Manchester City at the end of this season, days after his 34th birthday.

De Bruyne has also struggled with injury over the past two seasons only starting in eight games this season, when The Citizens failed to achieve their best.

He acknowledged that talks about the new contract had not yet begun.

"He's had problems in the last year and a half, like a lot of players this year."

"Of course, when he is consistent and fit and able to play regularly, I have said many times that he is a very important player for us and a decisive player."

"What will happen, how he will appear until the end of the season, his current age, and many other things, I think the club should consider it," Guardiola said on Friday, January 3, 2025, local time.

De Bruyne has been linked with his move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League and MLS club San Diego FC. He was also allowed to negotiate with non-English clubs in January 2025 over free transfers at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Guardiola also stated that he did not know whether Manchester City would be able to strengthen their squad in the winter market or not.

The Spaniard previously said he was willing to use the winter transfer market to find reinforcements.

"I don't know now. It's not easy, it won't be easy. Maybe we signed, maybe we didn't recruit anyone."

"The club must be wise, don't recruit players just to do it. I don't know if that might be done," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of the match against West Ham United.

Apart from that, Manchester City got positive news. Guardiola said he hoped the Ballon d'Or winner midfielder Rodri could return before the end of the season.

The Citizens are now sixth in the 2024/2025 Premier League standings and are eyeing a second straight league victory against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, Saturday, January 4, 2025, WIB night.