Man City face unpopular Kevin De Bruyne call as risk magnifies

Kevin de Bruyne is the only survivor of the pre-Pep Guardiola era in the current Manchester City squad.

Although on the pitch he can seem ageless, De Bruyne is approaching a decade at the Eithad. He will be 33 by the time next season starts and his past few seasons at City have been chequered by injuries.

His position is also one in which City have numerous alternative options, including the rapidly-maturing Phil Foden, who is taking on the mantle as Pep Guardiola's main man.

With question marks over De Bruyne's City future now on the table, these are all now factors the club must take into consideration – whether fans like it or not. Nothing lasts forever, not even De Bruyne's City stint, during which he has been a pillar of consistency and the club have enjoyed unprecedented success.

Like Guardiola's own tenure as manager, it all must come to an end one day. And with De Bruyne's current deal due to end in June 2025 – by which time he will be 34 – City are approaching decision time.

ALSO READ: Kevin de Bruyne contract state of play amid Saudi interest

ALSO READ: Guardiola's fixture nightmare is about to become a reality for Man City

In terms pure numbers, the decision is quite simple. City have three options.

Do they allow De Bruyne's contract to expire in the knowledge that he could leave for free when it happens, in 15 months' time? Do they look to renew, possibly on reduced terms or via a shorter-term deal, taking him up to the age of 35 or 36 and near retirement?

Or do they consider the unthinkable? There is a chance they could look to cash in on De Bruyne this summer.

With considerable interest in the player – particularly from clubs in the Saudi Pro League who would probably pay in excess of De Bruyne's