Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been Pep Guardiola's go-to man since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium.

The creativity the Belgian has offered City over the years has been instrumental in the club's success and even at 33 he remains one of the best in the Premier League in his position. However, like all good things, De Bruyne's time at City will come to an end.

He has now entered the final year of his contract and speculation is rife as to whether City will choose to cash in this summer, allow him to leave on a free in 2025 or agree a new short-term contract extension. With many undecided as to the right course of action, MEN Sport has asked our City writers for their verdict on De Bruyne's future.

Joe Bray

We've been here already this summer, and apparently now we're back - despite De Bruyne himself pouring cold water over talk of an exit. Only last week, he said he has had no contact with any other clubs over a transfer, that he expects to return to City for the new season, and is hopeful of contract talks in the near future.

In fairness, De Bruyne fanned the flames with two admissions that he would seriously consider the money on offer in Saudi Arabia. Some honesty, at last, rather than a player saying they want to move to the Saudi Pro League for the sporting challenge.

City's stance will be the same, however much De Bruyne is important to them. He has just turned 33 and has a year left on his deal - if he presents a good offer and wants to leave, he will be allowed to. They have a ready-made replacement in Phil Foden, and to an extent in Julian Alvarez. Bernardo Silva can also play at the top of midfield - and they will be thinking about longer-term replacements anyway given De Bruyne's age.

But in terms of the latest reports of the Belgian agreeing terms with a Saudi club, let's defer to De Bruyne's own update just a few days ago rather than some random reports from who-knows-where.

Simon Bajkowski

City have been here before; last year Riyad Mahrez accepted an offer from the Saudi Pro League that City weren't expecting, and it put them on the back foot. Jeremy Doku would eventually arrive but Pep Guardiola and the Blues do not like spanners in their works.

As much as De Bruyne wasn't at his best last season after injury - despite the ludicrously good numbers he still put up - it would be an almighty call to move on a player who can do things that nobody else in world football can. The money from selling him may be welcomed, but the money to replace him would be much greater - it may even need more than one signing.

If De Bruyne wants to leave and can present a big offer to City, it will be considered because that is their policy on all players. The Belgian is more analytical than most in working out the best option for him, although it would still be a sad end to a glittering career at the Etihad if his last act was to push through a move to Saudi Arabia against what the club were hoping for.

The player himself expects talks with the club over his future and potentially a new deal, and it is hard to believe those conversations would not be had before a decision is made on his future. At the moment, it is difficult to see an upside for City selling him in this summer and once that window closes they have time to sort things out for 2025 and beyond.

Jack Flintham

We have long known that sentimentality in football is non-existent. Guardiola has been ruthless during his time at the Etihad Stadium to ensure no player outstays their welcome and that has led to the team continuously improving.

De Bruyne can still offer City a lot heading into next season, his figures from the back end of the last campaign prove that. However, unless he accepts a greatly reduced role, it is unlikely either side would be able to come to an agreement to keep the Belgian playmaker beyond 2025.

For that reason, it seems obvious that if an extortionate fee is submitted from the Saudi Pro League this summer then City should take it. Anything £50m or above would prove to be exceptional business for a player in the final year of their contract.

If that is not received, I don't think anyone would begrudge De Bruyne's contract being allowed to naturally expire in 2025 and him leaving on a free. He has already repaid that £55m transfer fee back ten-fold over the years.