De Bruyne to quit Man City? Pundit 'very surprised' by exit news
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Man City and Pep Guardiola will do “everything they can” to keep hold of Kevin de Bruyne amid interest from Saudi Pro League and MLS sides.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has insisted that he would be “very surprised” if the 33-year-old left the Etihad at the end of the season, and backed him to sign a one-year extension.
The Belgium international has just six months remaining on his current deal and is free to discuss terms over a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
Man City are said to have concerns about De Bruyne’s recent fitness and injury issues, but Robinson has insisted he is fit and strong after returning to a more regular first-team role.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 January that City are prepared to let the him leave as Saudi clubs eye “big-money” offers.
The interest from Saudi Pro League sides is long-standing as they look to make him the latest superstar name to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, newly-formed MLS outfit San Diego FC are plotting a stunning offer for De Bruyne as they are prepared to invest heavily and stamp their mark on the division.
Man City to make Kevin de Bruyne decision amid Saudi interest
As things stand, there are no plans for City to hand De Bruyne a contract extension, leading to the midfielder’s confession in November that he is unsure about his future.
While clubs continue to weigh up potential big-money offers, Robinson has insisted he is more likely to remain at City for the immediate future, with those offers likely to remain on the table for at least another year.
“He’s not going to have any shortage of offers,” he told Football Insider.
“People talk about the standard of the Saudi Pro League, yes it’s not the same standard as the Premier League but it’s certainly getting better.
“Obviously, we know the financial reward that players get for going there as well.
“San Diego FC, I mean that’s a new thing on the South West coast, it’s a beautiful place.Saudi and San Diego, it’s not a bad choice to have.
“I’d be very surprised if he didn’t do another season at Manchester City. I’d be surprised if it was at the end of this season that he left.
“I think there’s obviously still a lot more football left to play and footballers go on a lot longer now.
“He’s fit, he’s strong, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will do all they can to keep him and the other offers for Kevin de Bruyne are not going away because of his status and legacy.
“Those offers are always going to be there for him.”
In other news, update on City’s move to sign Omar Marmoush after overnight talks.
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The post De Bruyne to quit Man City? Pundit 'very surprised' by exit news appeared first on Football Insider.
