Not good enough
Looks like Manchester City and Kevin De Bruyne aren’t on the same page when it comes to a contract extension.
Word has it last season’s PFA Player of the Year rejected the first offer the club made to him recently.
The Times reports that the Belgian didn’t think the first proposal reflected his performances for the club last season.
De Bruyne tied the Premier League record for assists in a season in 2019/20 with 20 and also added 13 goals.
In a season where City won only one trophy, De Bruyne picked up a number of individual accolades.
His awards included UEFA Midfielder of the Season, Premier League Player and Playmaker of the Season, and Player of the Year for his team.
Bump in the road?
There may be a reason why De Bruyne wants a significant pay increase and his name is Lionel Messi.
With the six-time Ballon D’or winners’ massive salary this season of £26m and the rumours City are trying to sign him, it could leave De Bruyne feeling unwanted and looking for more money.
Former Man City midfielder Trevor Sinclair recently gave his take on the De Bruyne situation.
Speaking to TalkSport Sinclair says the Belgian is well aware of his value.
“He knows his worth; if you don’t know your worth at 29-years old then you’ve got something wrong.
“But what he might’ve said is that he wants to be the top-paid player regardless of who comes in. That’s a problem for City if they’re serious about signing Messi.
“De Bruyne’s wages could go up an astronomical amount if he wants to be on bigger wages than Messi,” says Sinclair.
Currently, De Bruyne earns about £170,000 a week but City seems reluctant by all accounts to give him Messi-like wages.
“Not Worried”
City manager Pep Guardiola recently opened up about his star midfielders contract situation.
The Sky Blues boss told Sky Sports he’s “not worried” adding that he is “pretty sure that he will stay.”
The club is reportedly looking to re-sign their midfielder to a new five-year-contract.
The expectation is that De Bruyne will still extend his contract but it may take longer than usual for him to put pen to paper.
His current contract expires in 2023. (JSL).
