De Bruyne agrees terms with Al-Ittihad

Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly agreed personal terms to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

After spending nearly a decade at the Etihad, the Belgian midfielder's current deal at the club is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Daily Mail reported in February that De Bruyne had been earmarked as a top target for the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, with officials prepared to step up their efforts to secure the UEFA Champions League winner's signature this summer.

And, according to a report from journalist Rudy Galetti, Al-Ittihad have done just that, with the club said to have agreed terms with De Bruyne over a move.

The report goes onto claim that negotiations are said to be ongoing between Al-Ittihad and City in regards to a transfer fee for the 33-year-old, who arrived in Manchester from Wolfsburg for £55 million back in 2015.

Al-Ittihad recently appointed former France and Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc as their new manager and boast several notable names among their ranks, including N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Fabinho.

However, despite spending big last summer the Public Investment Fund-owned club were only able to finish fifth in the league, coming more than 40 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal.

This came after they had won the Pro League the previous season, with the 2023-24 campaign also seeing Al-Ittihad part ways with Nuno Espirito Santo as manager. 

The addition of De Bruyne would be a huge coup for the club though, with the 33-year-old having enjoyed a stunning nine years at the Etihad.
--Daily Mail