Football Transfer: Man City put Kevin De Bruyne talks on hold

Manchester City have delayed opening contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne until the midfielder has fully recovered from his leg injury, according to the Daily Star.

The 32-year-old went off with a hamstring problem during the Citizens’ 3-0 win against Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League campaign and is expected to be out until early 2024.

His contract runs out in the summer of 2025, and any negotiations to keep him at the Etihad past that point are on hold until his return after requiring surgery. That means the Belgium international will be in the final year of his £375,000-per-week contract by the time negotiations for his new one begin.

Even so, City boss Pep Guardiola is desperate for De Bruyne to remain a key part of his squad and has given the club hierarchy his permission to offer the midfielder another two years. This comes with the club already showing a willingness to keep experienced heads around after renewing Kyle Walker’s deal this week.

De Bruyne, who is now represented by his father, is content in Manchester but there is also an awareness that there will be massive interest in City’s talisman from across Europe if no agreement is reached before the end of the season for him to stay.