As the sun rises over the Etihad Stadium on April 10, 2025, whispers of a seismic shift in the football world are growing louder. Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s talismanic midfielder and one of the Premier League’s most celebrated stars, finds himself at the center of swirling speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old Belgian maestro, whose contract with the English champions is set to expire at the end of the current season, is reportedly being courted with an eye-watering €1 million-per-week offer—an astronomical sum that could redefine his legacy and the global football landscape.
De Bruyne’s journey with Manchester City has been nothing short of legendary. Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-hefty £54 million, he’s woven himself into the fabric of the club, orchestrating play with a vision and precision that have drawn comparisons to the game’s all-time greats. Over nearly a decade, he’s hoisted six Premier League trophies, a Champions League crown, and a slew of domestic honors, amassing 16 major titles in total. His wand of a right foot has delivered countless assists—18 in just 26 appearances last season despite a lengthy injury layoff—and his influence has been pivotal in City’s era of dominance under Pep Guardiola. Yet, as he approaches his 34th birthday in June, the sands of time are shifting, and the lure of a new challenge beckons.
The rumored destination? Saudi Arabia, where the Pro League’s ambitious clubs, backed by the kingdom’s vast wealth, are dangling a contract that could see De Bruyne earn more in a single week than many players do in a lifetime. “At my age, you have to be open to everything,” De Bruyne has said, his words reflecting a pragmatic yet tantalizing openness to the “incredible amounts of money” on offer. This isn’t just about finances, though; it’s a crossroads moment for a man who’s won it all at club level and now ponders what’s next. The Belgian playmaker has hinted at family discussions shaping his decision, noting, “For Michele, an exotic adventure is OK. These are conversations we are increasingly having as a family.” His eldest son, now eight, has known only England, prompting questions like, “How long will I play for City?”—a query that underscores the personal stakes at play.
Saudi clubs, particularly Al-Ittihad, have emerged as frontrunners in this high-stakes chase. The Middle Eastern league has already lured stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar with jaw-dropping deals, but landing De Bruyne—a player still near the peak of his powers—would signal a new level of intent. Last summer, he reportedly turned down a €70 million-per-year offer, but the persistence of Saudi suitors hasn’t waned. Meanwhile, whispers of interest from Major League Soccer, once a strong contender with San Diego FC in the mix, have quieted, leaving the Gulf as the most likely landing spot if he departs. Yet, nothing is set in stone. “I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but I haven’t spoken to anyone,” De Bruyne clarified recently, keeping the football world on edge.
For Manchester City, losing De Bruyne would be a gut punch, even with their squad brimming with talent. Guardiola has called him “one of the greatest,” lauding his consistency and clutch performances, though he’s admitted the decision rests with the club’s hierarchy. “It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue,” the manager confessed, hinting at a bittersweet farewell looming. City’s planning for life after De Bruyne is already underway—rumors swirl of pursuits for young stars like Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala or Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz—but replacing a generational talent is no simple task.
As De Bruyne prepares for Belgium’s World Cup qualifying matches this summer, his focus remains on the pitch. Yet, off it, the clock is ticking. Will he stay to cement his City legacy, perhaps chasing an FA Cup send-off against Nottingham Forest in late April? Or will he embrace the desert riches, trading Manchester’s rain for Riyadh’s sun? The football world holds its breath, awaiting the next chapter in a story that’s captivated fans for a decade.