KEV SCORES.. WITH A PEN

De Bruyne negotiated his own £83m deal.. without an agent - and using stats to show City chiefs why he’s worth every penny

KEVIN DE BRUYNE signed a new £83million deal with

Manchester City until 2025 – after conducting negotiations all by himself.

The Belgian midfielder committed to a two-year extension which will take in the rest of his top-level career.

And De Bruyne didn’t use an agent to broker the whopping £400,000-a-week contract, holding talks with City himself while his father and lawyer –

both in Belgium – assisted remotely.

Even more remarkably, De Bruyne commissioned data analysts to assess his influence and how well the club are set up for success, based on the age and qualities of the squad.

De Bruyne, 29, was able to show Etihad bosses his value to the team as their most influential player and used this to negotiate a significant pay rise.

After underlining his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side by consolidating his status as City’s highest earner on £20.8m-a-year, the fans favourite said: “Since joining City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans, my family are settled here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well.

“This football club is geared for success. It offers me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was a straightforward decision.

“I’m playing the best football of my career and I honestly feel there is more to come.

“Pep and I see football in the same way. Having that relationship with a manager is so important to me, because our objectives are totally aligned and we want the same things.

“My focus now is on ensuring we make sure we end the season with the silverware we deserve.”

City director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “This is a very significant moment for this club.

“Kevin is, without question, one of the best players in world football.”

BIG DEAL De Bruyne after signing his £83m contract