Kevin De Bruyne has put contract extension discussions with Manchester City on hold as he focuses on overcoming injury struggles that have derailed his season.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has admitted uncertainty about his future at the Etihad.
De Bruyne, a pivotal figure in City’s success, endured five months on the sidelines last season following hamstring surgery.
He returned to help the club secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title but has faced fresh injury setbacks this campaign.
After starting the first four league games, all victories, he was sidelined for nine matches with what was initially deemed a minor issue.
Now back in action with substitute appearances in City’s last two games, De Bruyne has been unable to prevent a worrying slump, with City suffering a fifth consecutive defeat after a 4-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.
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Addressing his future in a press conference, De Bruyne explained that contract discussions have been postponed while he works on regaining full fitness.
“I honestly don’t know [about my future],” he said.
“At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen, but then the injury against Brentford happened.
It was meant to be a couple of days, but it turned into eight or nine weeks. I decided to put everything aside.
“I had a conversation in the summer, but with the injury, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to discuss it.
My priority is to get back on the pitch and be myself again. There’s no rush; I’m not uncomfortable or worried.”
De Bruyne’s comments come shortly after City manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension, fueling hopes the midfielder might also commit his future to the club.
When asked if Guardiola’s new deal could influence his decision, De Bruyne said,
“It could help. I don’t need to speak to Pep about the future because I know how he works with the team and players. If a new coach came in, then those discussions would be necessary.
“Questions will come, but I can only answer based on where things stand now. Talks will happen, and if they don’t, this will be my last year. My focus is just on playing good football.”
As Manchester City look to recover from their poor form, De Bruyne’s return to full fitness and clarity on his future could be crucial to reigniting their season and maintaining their dominance in English football.
