Kevin De Bruyne terms with Al-Ittihad 'agreed', Saudi club confident of landing Ederson - Paper Round
Published 21/07/2024 at 22:29 GMT+1
Al-Ittihad are planning on raiding Manchester City, with Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson on their radar. The former has reportedly "agreed" terms to join, while the Saudi club are said to have made contact with City about the Brazilian goalkeeper. Elsewhere, Barcelona have been linked with a "shock move" for former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, himself also of Al-Ittihad.
Savinho promises 'joyful football’ after signing for Man City
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De Bruyne has 'agreed' terms with Al-Ittihad
Kevin De Bruyne has “agreed personal terms” with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, according to a report.
An article from the Mirror suggests the Belgium international could be on his way to Saudi Arabia, but stresses Pep Guardiola’s side are “desperate” to hold onto him.
“… reports in Italy over the weekend claimed he had 'agreed personal terms' with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad,” states the article.
“While it remains to be seen if De Bruyne would be willing to leave before his current contract expires in 2025, City will desperate to hang onto their talisman - particularly as previous reports have indicated he could be willing to see out his playing days in Manchester.
“It was reported back in February by The Athletic that De Bruyne had planned to sign a new contract with City with a view to retiring at the Etihad at around the age of 35.
“There have, however, been hints that the player may have had a change of heart in recent months: it was outlined back in May that his representatives had held talks with new MLS franchise San Diego FC, while details of preliminary discussions over a potential move to Saudi Arabia emerged shortly after.”
Al-Ittihad take steps to sign Ederson
Al-Ittihad are “ready to test” Manchester City’s resolve as they try to lure goalkeeper Ederson to Saudi Arabia.
The Brazil international has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League for some time, with Al-Nassr supposedly favourites to land him.
But it is their rivals Al-Ittihad who are making the headlines this week, with the Mail claiming the club have “made contact” with City.
“Al-Ittihad have made contact with Manchester City about sealing a move for Ederson over the coming weeks,” reads the article.
“Interest from the Saudi Pro League in City's goalkeeper has been intense in recent months, with Al-Nassr initially hopeful of luring the Brazilian away from the Etihad Stadium.
“Their offer of £25 million fell way below City's valuation but Al-Ittihad have been given enough encouragement to open dialogue with the Premier League champions.
“The 30-year-old is believed to be valued at somewhere nearer £50m and Al-Ittihad are ready to test that resolve for what would be a major coup for the SPL.”
Barcelona considering Kante move
Barcelona have been linked with a “shock move” for former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
Kante moved to Al-Ittihad last summer and was one of France’s standout players during Euro 2024.
“Barcelona could be making a shock move for a two-time Premier League winner and Chelsea icon, ahead of the new season,” writes the Mail.
“Reports say Barca's new head coach, Hansi Flick, is looking to bolster his midfield options - but only if they can manage to secure the player at a cut price.
“Flick believes the French international and World Cup winner could be the ideal solution to shoring up his midfield defensively, with a loan signing being the preferred option.
“Barcelona were consistently linked with the Frenchman throughout his tenure at Chelsea, but failed to make a move for him last summer, as he swapped Stamford Bridge for the Saudi Pro League.
“Reports in Sport say Al-Ittihad are not willing to part with the 33-year-old this summer, having already rejected an approach from West Ham United who wanted to sign Kante on a permanent deal.”
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