BREAKING NEWS: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad club has withdrawn from signing a Manchester City star after the club demanded £100 million. Although a personal agreement was reached with the player, the deal has been canceled.

Where it Happened:

The 33-year-old playmaker started the last year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. This Belgium international has attracted attention from teams in the financially powerful Saudi Pro League, though no contract extension has been finalized yet.

The Larger Picture:

Al-Ittihad, a club known for its ambitious acquisitions, showed interest in signing the modern-day football great, Kevin De Bruyne. The club, which already boasts stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho, presented a lucrative offer to De Bruyne. The six-time Premier League title winner found the offer appealing.

Was it Known?

However, transfer specialist Rudy Galetti reported that Al-Ittihad withdrew from the negotiations due to Manchester City’s high demands. The club had submitted a £25 million ($32 million) bid, which was rejected. Previous reports suggested that Manchester City was seeking a figure closer to £50 million ($64 million).

Next Steps:

Al-Ittihad believes they have sufficient quality in their midfield with players like Houssem Aouar already on the roster. However, if De Bruyne approaches free agency, he could become a key target for their recruitment in 2025.