Decision or pressure
In some cases, the situation is clear from the start. Either the club simply no longer counts on them, or the player quickly indicates his desires. “I will not extend my contract”for example announced Jonathan Tah, the defender of Bayer Leverkusen, at the start of the season. This is what Koen Casteels also did last year before leaving Wolfsburg for Saudi Arabia.
Other players prefer to remain evasive. Either because their decision is simply not made; either because they prefer to first discuss discreetly with another club before deciding; either because they are waiting for the first step from their direction; or either because they voluntarily delay their extension agreement with a view to negotiation. Kevin De Bruyne finds himself at the intersection of these four possibilities.
De Bruyne serene
As recently as Sunday, Kevin De Bruyne recently confided that there was still “no movement” towards the renewal of his contract at Manchester City. The 33-year-old, however, does not seem to be worried about his future. He explained in November that he wanted to first focus on his recovery and his return to form before discussing with his management. Since then, Pep Guardiola has extended his contract himself, but KDB still seems to be hesitant. On the one hand because of the uncertainty linked to the 115 indictments of non-compliance with the rules of financial fair play. According to the Timesthe verdict and potential sanctions will be announced during the month of January. The Red Devil is also waiting to hear the club's proposal, which it will weigh against its alternatives: Saudi Arabia or the United States.
“People seem to know more than me”: Kevin De Bruyne is tired of questions about his future
Reds Alert
With KDB, the Premier League could therefore lose one of its biggest stars in six months. But the biggest fear concerns Mohamed Salah, who has already clearly spoken about the possibility of leaving Liverpool. “We are far from it”he recalled again this Sunday about an extension agreement. The Egyptian, who had a historic first part of the season, wants to take advantage of his form to negotiate. But his future will be the main saga of the coming weeks.
Liverpool management must also work on the cases of its captain Virgil van Dijk and its England international Trent Alexander-Arnold. If the Dutch defender should quickly find an extension agreement, the right-back is more uncertain. Real Madrid is in any case trying to attract him for free.
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A decisive month in Bavaria
At Bayern Munich too, the situation is critical for several executives of Vincent Kompany. If Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer should be renewed for one more season, discussions will be more difficult with Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies and Leroy Sané. Sports director Max Eberl has already explained that he will take action during the month of January, but the three players are approached by other big clubs and will have arguments to negotiate.
'I'm very happy': Vincent Kompany looks back on his first months at Bayern
Back to basics?
In Saudi Arabia, we are also agitated. Because Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are both at the end of their contracts in six months. Ronaldo, who will turn 40 in February, is aiming for the 2026 World Cup and therefore wants to continue his career. Either with Al-Nassr if he manages to keep his status as the highest paid player on the planet. Either by returning to his training club Sporting Lisbon before retiring. “Nobody knows what the future holds.”he declared this weekend to Marca, while Neymar's decision seems more obvious. Injured for more than a year and only appearing seven times in the Al-Hilal jersey, the Brazilian is not expected to extend, even if there is an option for one more season. Here too, a return to basics is a possibility for the former FC Santos player.
“Unfair for Vinicius”, “Apart from PSG, there is nothing in Ligue 1”: Cristiano Ronaldo reveals his truths at the Globe Soccer Awards (VIDEO)
