Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that Kevin De Bruyne will not be leaving the club this season, despite recent reports suggesting the Belgian international could potentially move to Saudi Arabia. De Bruyne, who has just one year remaining on his current contract with Manchester City, recently revealed that he has discussed his future plans with his wife Michele, hinting that an “exotic adventure” may be of interest to her. Rumors had circulated that Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad was interested in acquiring De Bruyne’s services.
However, according to reports on Tuesday, Guardiola has categorically rejected any notion of the 33-year-old midfielder being allowed to depart the club during the current season.
During a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s friendly match against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola unequivocally stated, “Kevin isn’t leaving.” De Bruyne, who joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has been a key figure for the Premier League champions, helping the club secure 15 major trophies, including six league titles and one Champions League crown.
The midfielder missed the first half of last season due to injury but returned to play a pivotal role in City’s historic fourth successive Premier League triumph.
“My eldest (child) is now eight years old and has known nothing but England as his home. He also inquires about the duration of my tenure at Manchester City. When the time comes, we will have to address this matter in a thoughtful manner,” De Bruyne stated in a recent interview. “At my current stage of life, one must be open to various possibilities. Discussions have been made regarding the remarkable sums of money that may be involved towards the end of my career. Occasionally, one must consider these financial implications. “If I were to play there for two years, I would be able to accumulate an exceptionally substantial amount of income.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola insisted that Manchester City would not make significant alterations to their squad prior to the commencement of their Premier League season against Chelsea on August 18th. Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has been linked with the champions, while City goalkeeper Ederson has potential offers from Saudi Arabia. “Certainly, until the very last day, we have opportunities, and I do not rule out the possibility of acquiring new players, but I believe there is an 85 to 90 percent chance that we will retain the same squad,” Guardiola stated.
