De Bruyne sets the record straight on Saudi move amid Man City future talk

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he participated in no talks over a possible move away from Manchester City over the summer.

The Belgium international is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and at 33, recognises his career is entering the latter stages. De Brune caused a stir when he acknowledged the lure of the Saudi Pro League in Belgian press: "At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that."

The former Chelsea midfielder has been central to City's success since arriving in 2015 and has earned six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League and five League Cup wins in that time. De Bruyne has also been named as City's player of the season four times in that period as well as twice earning the award of Premier League Player of the Season.

The veteran has nevertheless started all three of City's Premier League matches this year and worn the captain's armband on each occasion. De Bruyne's influence has shown little sign of waning having recorded a goal and an assist in that time too.

No discussions have taken place over a possible departure yet however. De Bruyne told BBC Radio Manchester he'd had a quiet summer.

"I haven't spoken to anyone, to be honest," he said. "There has been a lot of noises and news.

"I said in the summer I expect a quiet summer and that's actually what happened. I've been on holiday for four weeks, came back and started training. That was it. Nothing to tell. I've not been entertained by anybody or spoken to anybody."

De Bruyne noted during Euro 2024 that he would remain with City but acknowledged that his future beyond the summer was less certain. Speaking to newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws the ex-Wolfsburg star conceded he could be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.

"Yes [I will stay]. I've read a lot of headlines about a transfer but I haven't spoken to anyone," he said in June.

"I saw him (Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo) at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn't about that (a transfer).

"It's hard to say now (what my next move will be). We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.

"I signed my contract at the right time. If you get a good offer and you tell Pep you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.

"I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes... that is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends."

The end of De Bruyne's contract matches that of City boss Pep Guardiola. The Catalan coach has yet to commit his future to the club beyond the end of the season.