Kevin De Bruyne ready to accept major salary cut and extend Manchester City contract to fulfil 2026 World Cup ambition

Kevin De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City appears to be influenced by his desire to extend his career with the Belgium national team, with a focus on participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As he approaches the end of his current contract in the summer of 2025, reports suggest that De Bruyne is open to accepting a significant wage reduction in order to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium for another season, potentially fulfilling his World Cup aspirations.

De Bruyne, who turns 34 in June 2025, has had a season marked by injury struggles, but the talented midfielder is determined to prove his fitness before making any decisions regarding his future with Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker has been an integral figure in the club’s success under Pep Guardiola, and despite his recent form and fitness concerns, there remains a belief that De Bruyne still has much to offer.

De Bruyne’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and he is one of the highest earners at the club, reportedly earning £375,000-per-week before bonuses. Despite experiencing a dip in form and a series of injuries over recent seasons, De Bruyne’s importance to the club remains clear. His contributions over the years have been immense, and his creativity and ability to control the tempo of games have made him a standout player in Pep Guardiola’s system.

At 34 years old, De Bruyne’s best years may be behind him, but his experience, vision, and leadership qualities are still highly valued by Guardiola. The Manchester City manager has repeatedly stated that it will be up to De Bruyne and the club to negotiate the terms of any potential contract extension. It is widely acknowledged that City is undergoing a period of rebuilding, with several key players expected to leave in the summer. Among those likely to depart are Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Ederson, and Jack Grealish, all of whom could be heading out at the end of the season as part of a wider effort to refresh the squad.

Reports have emerged that De Bruyne is willing to accept a significant salary cut in order to extend his Manchester City contract for another year, a decision largely influenced by his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a report by Simon Mullock for the Sunday Mirror, De Bruyne is prepared to reduce his wage significantly from his current £375,000-per-week deal to a new figure closer to £150,000-per-week. While this represents a major pay cut, it is a reflection of the midfielder’s ambition to extend his international career and make one final push for the prestigious tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

The decision to take a pay cut in exchange for another year at Manchester City is motivated by De Bruyne’s desire to remain in top form and play for Belgium one last time on the world stage. The midfielder is well aware of the challenges associated with competing at the highest level as he enters the latter stages of his career. However, his commitment to representing Belgium in the World Cup and his belief in his ability to continue playing at a high level for another season has led him to consider this drastic measure.

The current state of Manchester City is one of transition. The club is gearing up for a major overhaul of its aging core, with several key players on the brink of leaving in the summer. De Bruyne, along with Erling Haaland, is one of the highest-paid players at the club, but with several aging stars like Ilkay Gundogan and others possibly leaving, City will need to reshape its squad in the coming years.

The club is reportedly planning a summer exodus, and although Guardiola has stated that the decision on De Bruyne’s future lies with the player, it is clear that the club would like to retain him for at least another year. De Bruyne’s leadership and experience could be crucial in helping City navigate the changes ahead, with several incoming players needing guidance and mentorship.

One player who has committed his future to Manchester City is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker signed a remarkable 10-year contract with the club earlier this season, cementing his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland’s commitment to the club further underscores Manchester City’s desire to build a team for the future, and the prospect of retaining De Bruyne for another season could prove valuable in maintaining continuity and stability during this transitional phase.

Although De Bruyne has expressed a willingness to stay at Manchester City, there have been rumors linking him with a move abroad. There has been long-standing interest from the Saudi Pro League in acquiring De Bruyne’s services, and he has also received lucrative offers from the MLS. However, it appears that the Belgian midfielder is more inclined to explore a move to the United States should he decide to leave Manchester City after his contract expires.

De Bruyne’s connection to the USA is partly due to his family’s preferences, as they have been linked to a potential move to the States. However, the allure of the 2026 World Cup and his ongoing desire to compete at the highest level for Belgium are likely to be the deciding factors in his decision-making process. If De Bruyne does choose to extend his contract with Manchester City for one more season, it would give him the necessary time to continue playing at the highest level and pursue his World Cup ambitions.

Pep Guardiola remains one of De Bruyne’s biggest supporters. The Manchester City manager has frequently praised the Belgian’s qualities, even though he has had to manage the midfielder’s minutes more carefully in recent seasons due to injury concerns. Guardiola recognizes that De Bruyne still has significant value to the team and that his leadership and experience are essential for the club’s ambitions.

Guardiola’s management of De Bruyne has been particularly important in maintaining the midfielder’s fitness while also ensuring that he continues to contribute at a high level. The City manager has spoken openly about the challenges of managing a player of De Bruyne’s stature and experience, but he remains convinced that the Belgian has much to offer, particularly as the club looks to refresh its squad in the coming years.

Guardiola’s vision for the future of Manchester City involves integrating new players into the squad, and De Bruyne could play a key role in helping to mentor those who arrive at the club in the near future. His presence in the dressing room, alongside his on-field contributions, could be instrumental in guiding the club through the challenges of rebuilding its squad.

While there has been much speculation surrounding De Bruyne’s future, the situation remains fluid. De Bruyne is keen to prove his fitness and form before making a final decision on whether to extend his stay at Manchester City. If he continues to perform well and maintain his fitness levels, it is likely that the club and the player will reach an agreement that will see the midfielder remain at the Etihad Stadium for at least one more season.

Both De Bruyne and Manchester City appear to be open to the possibility of a new deal, although the specifics of that agreement, including the reduced salary and the terms of the contract, will need to be negotiated. If the two parties can come to an agreement, De Bruyne will likely continue to play a key role in the team as City prepares for the future

Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to potentially accept a major salary cut to extend his contract with Manchester City is a reflection of his determination to represent Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite recent injury struggles and a decline in form, De Bruyne remains one of the most talented and influential players in world football. His desire to play on the global stage for one final time is driving his decision-making, and it is clear that he still has much to contribute to Manchester City.

As the club looks to rebuild and refresh its squad, De Bruyne’s leadership and experience could be invaluable in guiding the team through the transition. While his future remains uncertain, it is likely that Manchester City and the Belgian midfielder will find a compromise that allows him to remain at the club for another season, helping him achieve his World Cup dreams while continuing to contribute to the club’s success.