Kevin De Bruyne &#8211; CaughtOffside

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De Bruyne has been an absolute joy to watch during his time at the Etihad Stadium, with few players able to match the kind of influence he has on games with the range of his passing, the quality and variety of the goals he can contribute from midfield, and his all-round intelligence and elegance.

It would be very difficult for City to replace a talent like De Bruyne, so it will be interesting to see how hard they push for the 33-year-old to snub Saudi offers and stay with them for a bit longer.

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Newcastle might be concerned about Manchester City making a move for their star player

Mehdi Gokal — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:58:48 +0000

Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al-Ittihad.

The Belgian star has been heavily linked with a move away this summer with Saudi Arabia seemingly the likely destination.

The midfield maestro last month refused to rule out a move to Saudi by suggesting that he is at a point in his career where he needs to start thinking about his family’s future, hinting at a financially lucrative move to Saudi.

Italian journalist Rudy Galetti recently updated that the player has agreed personal terms with Al Ittihad.

?? With the possible departure of Kevin #DeBruyne – personal terms agreed with #AlIttihad – #ManCity already drawn up a shortlist of possible replacements.

?? All the details on @TEAMtalk ?https://t.co/EbsS4hg25P

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 5, 2024

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Newcastle concern about Manchester City swooping in for Bruno Guimaraes

As per Sunday Express, the Magpies may be concerned by the news of Kevin de Bruyne reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Saudi club, as they will now fear that the Premier League champions will look to them for a replacement.

Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes could be tempted to a move to Pep Guardiola’s side and despite Newcastle’s insistence that the player is not for sale, a significant bid could test them.

Guimaraes’ incredible numbers

Bruno has been fantastic since joining the club, making 107 appearances, scoring 17 and assisting 16 goals.

He has also proven to be a versatile midfielder with his ability to play as a defensive midfielder as well as a central box-to-box midfielder.

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Man City would expect £100m for club legend amid interest from Saudi Pro League

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:45:37 +0000

Manchester City would expect £100m for Kevin De Bruyne this summer, but the Belgian hasn’t agreed personal terms with Al-Ittihad despite reports suggesting he has according to Ben Jacobs.

It’s been a quiet summer so far for the English Champions with Brazilian winger Savio the only arrival at the club, but there’s expected to be more activity on both incomings and outgoings as the new season draws closer.

De Bruyne is into the last year of his contract at the Etihad and he’s believed to be a long term target for the Saudi Pro League as they continue their recruitment drive this summer.

De Bruyne not close to Saudi move

The 33-year-old has been at Manchester City since 2015 after he joined from German side Wolfsburg and he’s gone on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

It’s no secret that the Saudo Pro League are keen to recruit the Belgium international but reports that he’s agreed terms with Al-Ittihad are thought to be wide of the mark.

Jacobs has moved to clarify the situation by reporting that De Bruyne isn’t close to a move to Saudi and that City would expect £100m to part ways this summer.

He took to X.com and said:

“Kevin De Bruyne is not currently close to Al-Ittihad and hasn’t agreed to any Saudi move yet, as reported for @talkSPORT.

“KDB a long-standing Saudi target, but dealmakers know #MCFC would expect £100m this summer.”

Kevin De Bruyne is not currently close to Al-Ittihad and hasn't agreed to any Saudi move yet, as reported for @talkSPORT.

KDB a long-standing Saudi target, but dealmakers know #MCFC would expect £100m this summer.

Ittihad closing in on Moussa Diaby, who is expected to sign a… pic.twitter.com/Dgc8Yz8GDU

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2024

TalkSPORT add that Saudi dealmakers would be prepared to wait until De Bruyne’s contract expires in 2025 to make a move.

The City legend has previously spoken of being open to a move to Saudi and didn’t shy away from talking about the vast finances on offer.

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De Bruyne’s team-mate Ederson could be making the move to Saudi this summer with Al-Ittihad in talks with City over a move for the Brazilian.

The move has been described as difficult with City said to want €50m-€60m for Ederson, who is thought to still be keen on a move to Saudi after agreeing terms with Al-Nassr before the deal collapsed.

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Financial advisor admits Man City could sell two senior players this summer

Andrew Walker — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:22:34 +0000

Manchester City could be tempted into selling two of their most senior and influential players this summer.

That is the view of the Cityzens’ former financial advisor Stefan Borson, who has admitted the likes of Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne could leave the Etihad this summer in favour of lucrative transfers to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.

Although Ederson, 30, still has two years left on his contract, De Bruyne, 33, is entering the final 12 months of his, and yet to be offered a renewal, the Belgium international now faces an uncertain future.

Man City tipped to sell Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi clubs

City also have a history of selling some of their best talent to the Middle East with Riyad Mahrez making the switch to Al-Ahli last summer, and Borson believes this year could see at least one more high profile departure.

“City showed last summer with the sale of Mahrez that, if they get the right price, they are prepared to sell and go again with the squad rebuild,” he told Football Insider.

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“It will depend on whether City can get the fees they want. But it does look like Ederson certainly seems to be quite keen on a move.

Ederson to seal transfer away from Man City?

“There are also rumours that there has been an offer for Kevin De Bruyne, which would clearly be quite a big move. City would probably demand quite a big fee, but he only has a year left on his contract.”

Ederson is rumoured to be a top target for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, with De Bruyne thought to be attracting interest from Al Ittihad.

Should the pair leave the Etihad this summer, regardless of their age, City will be a worse team for it. The pair have played a huge part in the team’s success in recent years; boasting 31 winner’s medals between them, including a remarkable treble just over 12 months ago.

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Transfer news: Zirkzee and De Ligt to Man Utd latest, Chelsea still trying for striker & more

Fabrizio Romano — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 15:45:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Zirkzee, Van de Beek and De Ligt latest at Manchester United

Manchester United are set to sell Donny van de Beek to Girona. The Dutch midfielder was also a target for Girona back in the January transfer window, but it wasn’t possible at that time as he decided to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. However, Girona are still there and have now agreed a deal with Manchester United.

Many of you have been asking me about the strange structure of this deal, because it’s been reported that the initial fee will be just €500,000. This would obviously be an incredibly cheap fee for Van de Beek, but the reality is different.

For now, this is a potential fee as it’s still subject to a personal agreement with Van de Beek and on the player passing a medical. Girona have an agreement with Man United but there are still some steps, and early next week we should know more. As for the fee, it is €500k initially, but there is a big structure of add-ons. There would be around €4-5m paid to Man United if Van de Beek plays a certain number of games, and this is expected to be quite an easy number. If he achieves more in his time at Girona it could even end up being around €10-15m.

Staying with Dutch players and Man United, I can confirm that Joshua Zirkzee remains an important target, he’s high on their list. Between Friday and Saturday there were new contacts between United and the agents of Zirkzee. So, what’s the situation? We know Zirkzee has been on United’s list and that the €40m release clause is there – it’s valid until August, so United have time, but the internal decision will be crucial.

United are now advancing in talks with Zirkzee and his agent. Zirkzee already reached an agreement with AC Milan, and Man United would match that proposal with similar numbers, but Milan don’t want to pay the big commission, while United are prepared to meet that number.

Erik ten Hag wants the player and has been calling Zirkzee on a regular basis, but then other key figures at Old Trafford will also have to decide, such as key figures deciding on transfers like Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell. So, the internal discussion is ongoing, and it’s up to them now to decide if they want to proceed with Zirkzee or go for another player.

Finally on United, negotiations continue for Matthijs de Ligt between all parties involved. There’s still no substantial update but negotiations are ongoing, and going well. De Ligt has only approved Man United as the club are in talks with his agent, I’m not aware of contacts with any other clubs now, despite some rumours about PSG.

Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Man United

Juventus to start Teun Koopmeiners talks with Atalanta soon

Despite some rumours about Liverpool entering the race for Teun Koopmeiners, my information is that the only club in negotiations for the Atalanta midfielder right now is Juventus. Of course it could change and we’ll see what happens in the next days, but Juventus have agreed terms with Koopmeiners, and he seems keen on staying in Serie A.

Everything is agreed on the player side, and so now Juventus have to reach an agreement with Atalanta. Talks will start very soon after Juve already signed Khephren Thuram, which should be announced in the next days, while Douglas Luiz has also been confirmed as joining in another exciting move to strengthen the Juve midfield.

Juventus are working on it with Koopmeiners, and we’re just waiting now for their first bid to Atalanta, which should come really soon.

Al Ittihad chaos casts doubt over Kevin De Bruyne transfer

We’ve had more Kevin De Bruyne Saudi rumours again, with some reports over the weekend about the Manchester City playmaker possibly becoming an Al Ittihad player, but my understanding is that nothing is close or imminent as of today.

The situation at Al Ittihad is really complicated at the moment, and it’s possible that their move to hire Stefano Pioli as manager will collapse, while the president could also leave the club. It’s a confusing situation at the club, and so they are not advancing for De Bruyne, as you can imagine. It’s not something happening today, maybe later in the summer, as we know interest from Saudi in De Bruyne has been there for some time, but it’s not close to happening now.

De Bruyne is now on holiday after the Euros and he still has one year left on his contract at Manchester City. As for Al Ittihad, we’ll have to see what happens later on in the summer because right now the situation has become very complicated and confusing.

Chelsea close in on Veiga, but what about Omorodion?

Renato Veiga is on his way to Chelsea in a €14-15m move from FC Basel. He’s seen as someone who can play centre-back, left-back or defensive midfield, so he covers a lot of positions. Chelsea see Veiga as a talent with huge potential, and available for a cheap price. He’s the perfect profile for what they wanted and needed. There are no add-ons or sell-on because Chelsea preferred to agree on €14m fixed fee believing it was a good deal for them. Now the priorities for Chelsea on the market will be a right-footed winger, and a new central striker.

Samu Omorodion remains one of the names appreciated by Chelsea for the striker position this summer. Omorodion is a player they like, as I reported 20 days ago when Chelsea had a bid rejected by Atletico Madrid. For now it remains the case that Atletico don’t want to sell Omorodion, but Chelsea are still keeping contacts active with those close to the player.

In case Atletico change their stance on Omorodion later in the transfer window, Chelsea could then have a chance to contact the Spanish club about this talented young striker again. It’s not guaranteed, because Omorodion is very happy in Madrid and Atletico don’t want to sell, but in case the situation changes, Chelsea still appreciate the player and will hope the door can perhaps open for them at some point.

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Let’s see what happens, but for sure Chelsea really rate Omorodion as a player with big potential, so they’re keeping a close eye on his situation, but let me also say that he’s not the only name on their list for the striker position. It’s not guaranteed that Chelsea will make a move for a new signing in that position as we’ll have to see how players like Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu perform in pre-season, but for sure Omorodion is a player they appreciate.

Emerson Royal Barcelona links – what’s the truth?

There have been some reports about Barcelona looking to re-sign Emerson Royal from Tottenham as he could be on the move out of Spurs this summer.

However, I don’t have this information about Barca. As previously reported, AC Milan are in talks for Emerson – they already spoke to Tottenham but Spurs want around €20m to sell the Brazilian full-back

There’s still a gap in valuation, so let’s see what happens, but Emerson himself is keen on the move to AC Milan.

The post Transfer news: Zirkzee and De Ligt to Man Utd latest, Chelsea still trying for striker & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man City identify Kevin De Bruyne replacement as Belgian moves closer to exit

Ahad Shaukat — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:22:47 +0000

Premier League champions Manchester City have started the process to replace midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian has arguably been the best Man City player in the last decade and he has guided the club to success in the Premier League and the Champions League.

However, his time at the Etihad Stadium could be soon coming to an end as journalist Rudy Galetti has reported that his representatives met with the Saudi delegate and they have given their approval of a transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad.

The journalist has mentioned that the Premier League giants are open to letting De Bruyne leave the club.

Verbal understanding reached between #AlIttihad and #DeBruyne. 🟡

A delegation of the PIF and some representatives of the club spoke to the player, who gave his approval to the transfer.

Now it’s up to clubs: #ManCity are open to letting him go. https://t.co/tyJwtq56ad pic.twitter.com/4krvU6Rg5s

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 4, 2024

In order to replace him, Man City have started looking out for options in the market.

According to TeamTalk, the Premier League champions have shortlisted Benfica star Joao Neves as one of the options to replace the legendary Belgian midfielder.

The teenager is highly rated and City’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are also keeing an eye on the youngster.

Benfica are seeking the full £105m release clause in his contract so that would mean Man City would have to dig deep in their pockets to sign him.

Man City have shortlisted German duo as potential Kevin de Bruyne replacements.

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The report mentions Paris Saint-Germain Xavi Simons as one of the options with City monitoring the Dutch midfielder.

The young midfielder has impressed on his loan spell at RB Leipzig and that has created interest among some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Man City have added German midfielders to their shortlist

German duo Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are also two young midfielders on the Man City shortlist as they plan for life without De Bruyne.

The loss of the Belgian midfielder would affect the Cityzens the most, compared to other departures in recent years.

All their options are talented young players who are destined for greatness but to replace De Bruyne, they have a long way to go.

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‘Verbally agreed’ – Man City talisman Kevin De Bruyne all set for Saudi switch

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:33:33 +0000

Despite winning another Premier League title in 2023/24, this summer could be one of huge change for Man City as talisman Kevin De Bruyne appears to have agreed to a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Belgian has seemingly long been courted by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and according to TeamTalk, he has ‘verbally agreed’ to a move to Al Ittihad.

Kevin De Bruyne set to leave Man City

It would bring an end to a glorious career in European football for the 33-year-old, and allow him to see out his final playing days in the relative comfort of Saudi Arabian football.

Though more and more players are now being persuaded to move to the Pro League, strengthening a belief that it will soon be amongst the world’s best, landing De Bruyne would be a real coup for PIF.

Belgium and Man City ace, Kevin De Bruyne, appears to have agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar remain the two biggest names to have made the leap to Saudi, and though more household names have followed, none have been in the same class.

De Bruyne can’t claim to be in that rarified air either, but he could certainly be classed as the best of the rest.

With one year left on his current deal with Man City, PIF will have to pay a fee for his services, though that would appear to be small change when one considers just how much money there is to throw at the league.

TeamTalk also note the willingness of City goalkeeper, Ederson, to join De Bruyne in a move to the Pro League, though Al Nassr are thought to be the Brazilian custodian’s destination.

Both deals need to be secured soonest if Pep Guardiola wants to be given a decent amount of time to find a replacement for De Bruyne in particular. Stefan Ortega will move up to be the number one if Ederson leaves.

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Exclusive: Man City eye 3 potential replacements as Kevin De Bruyne to consider Saudi transfer opportunity

Mark Brus — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:10:55 +0000

Manchester City are eyeing up some big names for their creative midfield department as Kevin De Bruyne is not ruling out a transfer to the Saudi Pro League, CaughtOffside understands.

Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that De Bruyne is attracting interest from Al Ittihad and Al Nassr in particular, and plans are being put in place by Man City as they consider the likes of Joao Neves, Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons as potential replacements in that area of their squad.

It is understood that De Bruyne is ready to meet with Saudi negotiators after numerous approaches for the Belgium international over the last year or so, with the 33-year-old long being one of the top targets for the project in Saudi Arabia.

Although De Bruyne has spoken publicly to suggest he’s happy to stay at City, it seems the club are also not ruling out taking the opportunity to cash in on him as there have been no developments over him potentially signing a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

De Bruyne transfer: How do Man City replace a Premier League legend?

De Bruyne is undoubtedly an all-time great of the Premier League era, having been a hugely important part of the success City have enjoyed under Pep Guardiola.

Joao Neves in action for Portugal

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Replacing such a star name won’t be easy, but sources have told CaughtOffside that Benfica and Portugal wonderkid Neves is one option the club admire, even if it looks a difficult deal due to his €120million release clause and Financial Fair Play considerations.

Wirtz won’t be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer but is understood to be another long-term target City could turn to, while Simons is also appreciated but currently looks to be heading closer to leaving Paris Saint-Germain for a loan move to Bayern Munich.

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Journalist hits back at Kevin De Bruyne for rude comment and wishes the Man City star said it to his face

Darren Looney — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:15:28 +0000

Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri has hit back at Belgium and Man City star Kevin De Bruyne after the midfielder called him “stupid” for a question he asked after the Red Devils’ Euro 2024 elimination.

Belgium were knocked out by France in the Round of 16 in Germany on Monday as Didier Deschamps’ team overcame Domenico Tedesco’s men with a 1-0 win to deservingly advance to the quarter-finals.

The Belgians were poor throughout their time at the Euros and offered nothing once again against the French. De Bruyne has been sensational on the pitch but off it has been a little touchy when it came to the press as he was not happy with how the media criticised his team’s performances.

That peaked after Belgium’s elimination to France as the Man City star called Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri “stupid” after he asked a question about the “golden generation”.

When asked why they never reached a final or won a trophy over the last few years, De Bruyne replied by saying: “And you say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation?”

The midfielder then thanked the reporter before leaving the stage, muttering “stupid” as he left.

De Bruyne is one of the only survivors of his country’s so-called “golden generation”, whose best result at a major tournament was reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

?? Journalist: “Why did Belgium's golden generation never win anything?”

?? Kevin De Bruyne: “You say that France, England, Spain and Germany do not have a golden generation?… stupid.” ???pic.twitter.com/rWlV19NrsH

— Football Tweet ?? (@Football__Tweet) July 1, 2024

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