Manchester City may reportedly opt against handing midfielder Kevin De Bruyne a contract renewal in the future.
De Bruyne has already established himself as one of the greatest players to ever represent the North West giants courtesy of his performances and achievements since 2015.
A remarkable 96 goals and 153 assists have come from 358 appearances in all competitions, with the 2019-20 Premier League campaign the standout with 33 such contributions in 35 league outings.
The Belgium international can also count five Premier League titles, seven domestic cups and a Champions League trophy on his list of achievements at the Etihad Stadium.
However, De Bruyne has encountered a number of fitness issues in recent seasons, most notably the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since August.
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His availability while at City cannot necessarily be questioned with at least 40 appearances being made in all competitions across the last four campaigns.
Nevertheless, he will not reach that figure during 2023-24 when he eventually makes his return to action, which is not expected until after the November international break.
According to Football Insider, City officials will continue to contemplate not handing out a contract extension if De Bruyne does not stay fit in the future.
The report suggests that City are in no rush to tie De Bruyne down to fresh terms beyond his current deal, one which expires in 2025.
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With De Bruyne his club captain and one of five senior leaders in the dressing room, Pep Guardiola may push to retain the player's services.
As it stands, though, it appears that De Bruyne will need to prove his longevity across the next 12 months before talks are opened over a new contract.
That said, it is highlighted that the preference of both parties is to eventually extend their relationship past a decade, which will be reached at the end of his current deal.
City lost an experienced key midfielder in Ilkay Gundogan prior to this season, while Bernardo Silva - another leadership figure - has consistently been linked with a move elsewhere despite his recent contract extension.
