Kevin De Bruyne has delivered a blow to Manchester City’s hopes of signing him by declaring that he intends to stay with Wolfsburg this season, although his agent has since stated that quotes attributed to him were the result of a “practical joke”.
The Belgium midfielder, 24, has been courted by Manuel Pellegrini’s side since January, with City having submitted an improved bid of £40m plus a potential £7m extra in bonuses last week.
But despite the Wolfsburg manager, Dieter Hecking, dropping a hint that De Bruyne could be set to leave after their first match of the new Bundesliga season, the former Chelsea midfielder had appeared to have drawn a line under speculation.
Interviewed on stage at the Sport-Bild Awards in Hamburg on Monday night, De Bruyne was asked whether he would be staying at Wolfsburg next season. “Yes, I am enjoying the familiar atmosphere in the changing room,” he said. When pressed further, he added: “I, Kevin De Bruyne will definitely play this season at VfL Wolfsburg.”
However, De Bruyne’s comments were given short shrift by his agent, Patrick De Koster, who accused the interviewer of asking leading questions.
“I am furious by what has happened tonight. Kevin wanted to show respect by attending this event. No decision has been made on Kevin’s future in this transfer window,” he said.
“We have yet to find out if Wolfsburg has reached any agreement with a club. Kevin remains a Wolfsburg player, and is focused on his job at the club. He also remains happy at Wolfsburg.”
City had appeared confident of making him their final signing of the transfer window having been given strong signs that the player wanted to join. However, after De Koster indicated last week that his client would not force through a move to England, they may turn their attention elsewhere, with Barcelona’s Pedro a possibility.
Despite the chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, denying last week that Bayern Munich retain an interest in De Bruyne, it is understood the German champions have proposed a deal for him to arrive at the start of next season.
