Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City have to ‘think’ about an extension to Kevin De Bruyne’s contract.
De Bruyne’s current contract expires in the summer and there has been no update on a potential extension.
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) December 5, 2024
The 33-year-old is regarded as one of City’s greatest ever players but has struggled with fitness issues over the last 18 months. He has missed 51 games through injury since the start of last season.
However, the Belgium international has remained a key figure for Guardiola’s side when fit. Last season, he recorded four goals and 10 assists in just 15 Premier League starts as City won the title. He has two goals and two assists in eight league starts during the current campaign.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing West Ham at the Etihad this weekend, Guardiola said a decision on De Bruyne’s future is something the club ‘has to think about it’.
He called the midfielder a ‘decisive player’ for his side but admits the player’s age and injury record complicate matters. Several Saudi Pro League and MLS sides have been linked with a move to sign De Bruyne as a free agent.
“He’s had problems in the last year and a half like many players but when he is consistent and fit he is a really important player for us. Decisive player for us,” Guardiola said.
“But it is about how he is going to perform for us until the end of the season, the club, his age and many other things, so I think the club has to think about it.”
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