On a day Manchester United made headlines by signing Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, their arch-rivals and Premier League leaders Manchester City made a statement of their own by announcing Kevin De Bruyne had agreed to a contract extension.
“It was pretty easy (the decision to stay). Obviously you hear a lot of people talk about other clubs but I think at the moment we are one of the best clubs in the world,” De Bruyne enthused after inking the extension which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium till 2023.
Must read: Jesse Lingard reveals the ‘real’ reason why Alexis Sanchez signed for Manchester United
De Bruyne’s last remark isn’t exactly off the mark for the Citizens have dominated the Premier League this season in an unforeseen manner and are expected to challenge traditional powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League as well.
Since signing from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgian maestro has gone from strength to strength as his performances have led many to label him as the best player from the English top-flight.
Don’t miss: Alexis Sanchez’s farewell post evokes mixed reactions from Arsenal fans
Lofty praise, but one the 26-year-old fully deserves after pulling the strings for City’s midfield, racking up goals and assists (8 and 13, respectively, in all competitions) along the way.
And with several of Europe’s elite reportedly eying the former Chelsea man in the summer, City moved quickly to tie down the central midfielder for five seasons at least.
Interestingly, however, there has been no mention of a release clause in his contract, as is customary these days.
Also read: Tottenham Hotspur lose ground in top-four race
Considering United beat City to Sanchez’s signature, many have seen this as a far from ideal winter window, but the fact that defensive midfielder Fernandinho also inked a contract extension just days ago would suggest that the Sky Blues have not been slacking off.
At the moment, their squad is near-complete as they have an embarrassment of riches in the midfield and attacking department, at least.