Kevin de Bruyne has reportedly agreed personal terms Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad as he considers a shock exit from Manchester City.
De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg for £55million back in 2015, has been an instrumental figure in Pep Guardiola’s dominant side over the last decade.
However, the 33-year-old now returns from Euro 2024 with just one year left on his contract at the Etihad and growing uncertainty surrounding his future.
In June, the Belgian raised the possibility of a move to the Middle East, given ‘the incredible amounts of money’ on offer.
And De Bruyne seems to have taken the latest step towards a move, with journalist Rudy Galetti reporting that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
Al-Ittihad, who finished fifth last season, recently appointed former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc as their head coach and boast a side that includes Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
With one year left on his deal at City, a transfer fee would still have to be agreed with the Pep Guardiola’s side to sanction the move.
When asked about a move to Saudi earlier in the summer, De Bruyne told Belgian publication HLN: 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 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.’
De Bruyne might not be the only City player to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer, with Al Nassr also interested in first-choice keeper Ederson.
City are said to be holding out for £42 million for the Brazilian keeper having rejected an opening bid of £25m.