Pep Guardiola wants Man City to offer Kevin De Bruyne a new contract (1 Viewer)

[Paul Bunyan]

Manchester City is reportedly planning to extend the contract of their standout midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, keeping him with the club until the summer of 2026. The Belgian talent joined the Etihad Stadium from Wolfsburg in 2015 for around £55 million.

Currently in the midst of his £375,000-a-week contract with the Premier League champions, the 32-year-old has 18 months left. De Bruyne, renowned as one of the world's top midfielders, has been a crucial part of City's success, contributing to five league titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the Champions League.

The Mirror suggests that Manchester City is looking to recognize De Bruyne's loyalty and exceptional performance by offering him an extension that would mark over a decade of service to the club.

Despite having the tempting opportunity to earn £1 million per week in the Saudi Pro League, it's reported that De Bruyne has no plans to leave England. His three children consider Manchester their home, further solidifying his commitment to the club.

Recently making a strong comeback after a five-month injury absence, De Bruyne played a pivotal role in a crucial 3-2 victory against Newcastle United. He not only contributed a goal but also provided an assist.

The midfielder believes that the break provided him with added energy and focus, stating, "I might have needed that to get everything back on track. Mentally, it has just become calm - having no stress for a few months makes a difference."

City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his delight at having De Bruyne back in action, praising the influential playmaker after the victory against Newcastle.

Guardiola stated,

"Kevin is a legend. He is loved by our people, and, hopefully, in the last months, he can help us be there to the end."
"We need players like Kevin. We need him to do something special in the final third. That is not tactical ability but talent, individual talent. I think everybody agrees we made a really good performance against such a physical team in Newcastle.

"They made good transitions and, after taking the lead [through Bernardo Silva], we conceded two goals but after that talent made the difference. At half‑time, I told the players: 'You are amazing, stick together and we will do it.' It was really important to win because Liverpool are flying and we have to go to Anfield so it's better to be close the them," added the City boss.