Another highly-talked about summer transfer seems to have finally concluded, as German news outlet Bild are reporting that Manchester City have agreed to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg for a fee of at least €80m.
If this deal is more than just a rumour, then De Bruyne could be on his way to become the most expensive Belgian footballer of all time.
According to Bild, City will pay that as an initial amount, but with “add-ons”, the price is likely to go higher. It’s also confirmed that De Bruyne will definitely not be involved in Wolfsburg match against Schalke in the Bundesliga this weekend.
City fans will probably be relived post this signing, especially after the likes of Man United and Bayern Munich were linked to the player in recent days.
The 24-year-old midfielder was the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year last season after registering 16 goals and an incredible 20 assists during the last campaign.
However, according to Manchester Evening News, Wolfsburg are not very happy about selling De Bruyne. They are said to have agreed a “solution” to the Kevin de Bruyne transfer saga.
Wolfsburg’s sporting director Klaus Allofs admitted today that talks were taking place. “We have agreed to come to a solution with these negotiations, but we haven’t got there yet,” he said.
“Over the last year there’s been lots of talks with him to try to get him stay at the club and there have been negotiations with Manchester City about possibly transferring.
“It’s in the interest of the player and the team but foremost we have to think about the club. We are not working under pressure, we have a clear vision and that’s what we are working on.”
Manuel Pellegrini would most probably want De Bruyne to operate on the right side of his side’s attack, the position currently occupied by Jesus Navas, who has to be ready to fight to keep his place.
Although De Bruyne managed 20 assists last season – the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues – as well as 16 goals, some in his homeland feel his dynamic, power-based game is at odds with City’s intricate passing style of play.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, has questioned whether De Bruyne has the stomach to fight for his place at an elite club.
De Bruyne joined Chelsea from Genk for £7m in January 2012 but spent the following season on loan at Werder Bremen before finally moving to Stamford Bridge.
After just nine appearances and no goals for Chelsea, De Bruyne was sold to Wolfsburg for £18m in 2014’s winter window.
If the deal really has undergone, then it will indeed be interesting to see how he fits in the club.
