Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
The Manchester City star has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer after being identified as one of the several key players who would accelerate the growth of the Saudi Pro League, along with Mohamed Salah.
De Bruyne fuelled speculation about his future further last month by refusing to rule out a move to the Middle East, and the midfielder now appears to be willing to leave City this summer.
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According to reports in Italy, the 33-year-old has agreed on personal terms with Al-Ittihad and City are now scouring the market for potential reinforcements. Negotiations between Pep Guardiola’s side and Al-Ittihad are said to be ongoing regarding a fee, with City likely to demand a significant fee for the services of their skipper despite his contract at the club expiring next summer.
If an agreement is reached, De Bruyne would like up with French duo Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante – with other top players being eyed by the Saudi outfit as well.
The news of personal terms being agreed upon may not come as a major shock to many given that the former Chelsea midfielder was giving consideration to the Saudi Pro League last month.
He said: “At my age, you have to be open to everything. You're talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that. If I play there [Saudi Arabia] for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. Before that, I had to play football for 15 years.
“I may not even reach that amount yet. Then you have to think about what that could mean next. But at the moment I haven't had to think about that yet.”
City won’t be the only side to be slightly concerned by De Bruyne’s agreement though, as Newcastle may now fear that an approach for Bruno Guimaraes is inevitable given how highly regarded he is by the Premier League champions.
The Brazil international did not see his £100million release clause activated earlier this summer but a significant bid would test the resolve of the Magpies despite their insistence that the ex-Lyon playmaker will remain at St James’ Park.
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz are also likely to be considered by City, but Guimaraes’ ability to play as a No. 8 is likely to prove very attractive to the higher powers at the Etihad.
