Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is facing a crucial 12 months in his stellar career in Manchester.
The Belgian international has earnt iconic status at the Etihad Stadium, after joining in 2015, and he will move past the 400 appearance mark for the club in the coming months.
However, speculation over his long-term future remains open, with the 33-year-old hinting at the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League before retirement.
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His current contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season and City are open minded over offering him an extension, amid fears on his injury record.
De Bruyne missed the first half of last season due to injury, but returned to play a key role in City's fourth successive EPL title, before joining up with Belgium at Euro 2024.
ESPN FC soccer pundit Craig Burley has waded into the debate over De Bruyne's ageing limbs with the former Scotland international claiming he is worried over how he will cope with a demanding schedule.
"Kevin De Bruyne did not have a great season (in 2023/24), particularly in the second hal,f when he came back from injury after being out for six months", he said.
"I personally thought he looked heavy-legged still at the Euros. Is time catching up on him? You could argue he has been their best player for quite some time, certainly their most important."
De Bruyne has previously supported the argument for game load reductions for top level players, particularly with extra international matches, but he is expected to play on with Belgium this season.
Pep Guardiola could rotate him more in 2024/25, to keep him fresh for prioritized games, with the Spanish coach hoping to avoid another setback for De Bruyne.
