Aston Villa are reportedly being considered as a potential destination for Kevin De Bruyne when he leaves Manchester City in the summer.
The 33-year-old Belgian, who has dealt with a series of injuries in recent seasons, was not offered a contract extension by Pep Guardiola.
Despite this, De Bruyne has no shortage of suitors, with at least four MLS clubs showing interest, along with possible offers from Saudi Arabia and South America.
However, the highly decorated midfielder has hinted at the possibility of staying in the Premier League.
Sky Sports suggests that Aston Villa could provide De Bruyne with the option of remaining in England’s top flight. At this point, Villa have only had “internal discussions” about the potential acquisition of the 33-year-old, whose contract is set to expire.
De Bruyne is said to have a “reluctance to uproot his family” and would not need to relocate far, allowing him to commute easily to Birmingham.
Serie A side Como are also believed to be “doing checks,” although such a move would entail a significant relocation to northern Italy.
Sky Sports News has reported that Aston Villa have engaged in “internal discussions” regarding the possibility of signing the six-time Premier League winner, who played 89 minutes in Manchester City’s crucial win over Villa on Tuesday.
“It is the final year of his current contract and Villa could be interested in signing the 33-year-old midfielder when he departs City,” writes Melissa Reddy. “De Bruyne’s reluctance to uproot his family and prioritising his football and home life when making a decision on his next destination has alerted several Premier League clubs.”
The prospect of these discussions turning into serious interest from Villa, however, remains unlikely, though “stranger things have happened.”
Villa will also need to consider their financial situation, as they must adhere to profit and sustainability rules. Signing a veteran player on high wages, like De Bruyne, could present as many challenges as it solves.
According to their most recent published accounts, Aston Villa allocates a staggering 96% of their annual turnover to player wages, a significant figure compared to Chelsea, who are next in line with a ratio of 72%.
De Bruyne’s injury history is a concern for potential suitors, as Guardiola has been without his star playmaker for 48 matches over the past two years.
Nonetheless, when fit, the Belgian has maintained impressive numbers, creating more chances than any other Premier League player with substantial minutes this season, just edging out Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Aston Villa have taken chances on experienced players before. In the winter transfer window, Emery’s side bolstered their squad with Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, both of whom had been deemed surplus to requirements at PSG and Manchester United, respectively.
While De Bruyne’s high salary demands could complicate any potential move, his immense quality is undeniable, and it remains to be seen whether Villa will pursue this opportunity.
The midfielder is believed to be one of the best-paid players globally, earning around £400,000 per week.
