West Ham to pay ‘£25m package for massive’ Kevin De Bruyne deal – Exclusive
Kevin De Bruyne has emerged as a target for West Ham ahead of his contract expiry at Manchester City.
The Belgium international is preparing to depart the Etihad at the end of the campaign after 10 years of excellent service for the Citizens.
This has seen a number of top sides show an interest in the 33-year-old ahead of the opening date of the summer transfer window.
The Hammers have emerged as a potential destination for De Bruyne as his wage demands have come to light before a potential East London move.
De Bruyne demands emerge before potential West Ham move
There is no doubt that Graham Potter is in for a summer of change after such a frustrating campaign, after coming in as head coach.
This is likely to see a sizable number of incoming and outgoing deals at the London Stadium, which could change the look of the E20 outfit.
One of those to alter the perspective in East London could be De Bruyne after the Irons reportedly made a “shock move” for the attacking midfielder [TBR Football, 27 May].
This could prove to be a huge coup for the Hammers amid interest from the likes of Napoli and Aston Villa coming into the summer.
With that being said, former Brentford and Leicester City boss Martin Allen has suggested that the Belgian would demand sizable wages after his contract ends at Manchester City.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “It would be massive for West Ham.
“You’ve got to remember that it would be on a free transfer, so West Ham could end up paying him £25m.
“It seems that when there are Champions League clubs like Napoli wanting to take him, with the chance of living there, I can’t see him moving to a side not in the Champions League.
“I can not see him coming to West Ham at this moment in time.“
De Bruyne may be too costly for West Ham
There is no guarantee that the six-time Premier League champion would want to join the Irons, but if he did, his wages could prove to be a sizable obstacle.
| Trophy | Times won | Years won |
| Champions League | 1 | 2022/23 |
| Premier League | 6 | 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2018/19, 2022/23 |
| EFL Cup | 5 | 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 |
| Super Cup | 1 | 2023/24 |
| Club World Cup | 1 | 2023 |
| Community Shield | 3 | 2018/19, 2019/20, 2024/25 |
At the early stage of the window, this would likely be the case, but if sales were utilised by Potter and Co., it may become possible.
With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta linked with a move away, there is every chance that a move could be sanctioned for De Bruyne.
It is unclear whether the Belgian would accept a move to E20, especially with a switch to the Serie A champions on the table.