Kevin de Bruyne is the only survivor of the pre-Pep Guardiola era in the current Manchester City squad.. Although on the pitch he can seem ageless, De Bruyne is approaching a decade at the Eithad. He will be 33 by the time next season starts and his past few seasons at City have been chequered by injuries.. His position is also one in which City have numerous alternative options, including the rapidly-maturing Phil Foden, who is taking on the mantle as Pep Guardiola’s main man.. With question marks over De Bruyne’s City future now on the table, these are all now factors the club must take into consideration – whether fans like it or not. Nothing lasts forever, not even De Bruyne’s City stint, during which he has been a pillar of consistency and the club have enjoyed unprecedented success.. Like Guardiola’s own tenure as manager, it all must come to an end one day. And with De Bruyne’s current deal due to end in June 2025 – by which time he will be 34 – City are approaching decision time.. ALSO READ: Kevin de Bruyne contract state of play amid Saudi interest. ALSO READ: Guardiola’s fixture nightmare is about to become a reality for Man City. In terms pure numbers, the decision is quite simple. City have three options.. Do they allow De Bruyne’s contract to expire in the knowledge that he could leave for free when it happens, in 15 months’ time? Do they look to renew, possibly on reduced terms or via a shorter-term deal, taking him up to the age of 35 or 36 and near retirement?. Or do they consider the unthinkable? There is a chance they could look to cash in on De Bruyne this summer.. With considerable interest in the player – particularly from clubs in the Saudi Pro League who would probably pay in excess of De Bruyne’s market value – City’s resolve to stick by their star man of the past decade could be tested.. Speaking earlier this year on the issue, Guardiola said: “It’s a question for him, I’d love him to stay but I don’t know. I heard some links but I don’t know if there’s an offer, I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wants him. I would love him to stay until the end of his career, but everyone is everyone.”. The rise of Foden, plus how well City tend to cope during those lengthy spells when De Bruyne is on the treatment table these days, may be instructive.. If anything persuades City to offer De Bruyne an extended deal, it will be sentiment; the fact the Belgian has contributed so greatly to five league title wins, five League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League.. But that’s in the past and City’s slick operation doesn’t tend to deal in nostalgia, its success has been in its super-smart future planning.. You can argue De Bruyne could still play a role in City’s short-term future for a year or two, possibly three. But he won’t hit 30 league appearances this season, meaning he’s missed that mark in three of his past six campaigns.. With a fee to recoup, possibly even a profit after nine years at City, a sale isn’t out of the question. The unthinkable may be more feasible that many assume.. Get City transfer updates on WhatsApp!. Pep Guardiola’s men are looking to move a step closer to another Premier League title – as well as complete another possible Treble.. Our MEN team of Manchester City experts will be on top of all the goings-on at the Etihad this week and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 30,000 (and growing!) band of Blues fans who are following our WhatsApp channel.. Sign up to our community here, and join our City channel here.. –. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Â
