The Kevin De Bruyne transfer saga is finally concluded after the Belgian’s signing was confirmed today by Manchester City.
Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of @DeBruyneKev!
Story: http://t.co/paLxppSmsi#welcomeKDB pic.twitter.com/B9N0mu8DST
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 30, 2015
Wolfsburg will receive a fee believed to be between £50.8 and £55m to make the 24 year-old attacking midfielder, who was spotted in Manchester yesterday attending a medical after arriving from Germany on a private jet, City’s new record signing.
The fee represents the second highest paid by an English club behind Manchester United’s £59.7m capture of Angel Di Maria last summer.
City’s previous record was £49m for Raheem Sterling who arrived at the Etihad earlier this summer.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini had been coy about ongoing negotiations all week but official confirmation finally arrived today and De Bruyne will wear the number 17 shirt after signing a six year deal.
De Bruyne had impressive stats while playing for Wolfsburg, with 20 goals and 35 assists from 73 games for the German club.
The Belgian offers pace, technique and the ability to deliver assists and goals and is expected to challenge for a place in City’s team for their next game which is away at Crystal Palace who beat one of De Bruyne’s former clubs, Chelsea, yesterday.
De Bruyne has already conducted his first interview on City’s official website.
The ONLY place to watch @DeBruyneKev's first #mcfc interview in full.
This way: http://t.co/jPur6r0jbr#welcomeKDB pic.twitter.com/i75KSGadVx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 30, 2015
With 48 hours of the transfer deadline left to run there may yet be business done in Manchester before Tuesday afternoon.