Manchester City star ‘agrees personal terms’ for surprise move to Saudi Pro League

Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad as he eyes a surprise exit from Manchester City.

De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg for £55million in 2015, has been a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s dominant side over the past decade.

However, the 33-year-old now returns from Euro 2024 with just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad and growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

In June, the Belgian raised the possibility of a transfer to the Middle East, given the “incredible sums of money” on offer.

And De Bruyne appears to have taken the final step towards a transfer, with journalist Rudy Galetti reporting that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al-Ittihad.

Al-Ittihad, who finished fifth last season, recently appointed former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc as head coach and have a squad that includes Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.

With one year left on his contract at City, a transfer fee would still need to be agreed with Pep Guardiola’s side to sanction the move.

Asked about a move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer, De Bruyne told Belgian publication HLN: “At my age, you have to be open to everything.”

“You’re talking about incredible amounts of money for what could be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”

“If I play there for two years, I could earn an incredible amount of money.

“Before that, I had to play football for 15 years. I might not even reach that number of years.”

De Bruyne may not be the only City player heading to Saudi Arabia this summer, with Al Nassr also interested in first-choice goalkeeper Ederson.

City are reportedly on course for a £42million move for the Brazilian goalkeeper after rejecting an initial £25million bid.

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