Manager Quells Speculation About Star Midfielder’s Future
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that Kevin De Bruyne will not be leaving the club this summer, despite persistent rumors linking the Belgian star to Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad.
De Bruyne, who has one year remaining on his contract, recently hinted at considering his future options with his wife, Michele. However, speaking ahead of Manchester City’s friendly against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola dismissed any speculation about De Bruyne’s departure.
“Kevin is not going,” Guardiola told reporters. “If someone leaves, we’re going to talk about that. Until the last day, we have chances to make transfers, but I think there is an 85/90 percent chance we will have the same squad. I feel comfortable because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to replace, and the quality is there. But we’ll see. I don’t know if someone comes for some players and they leave, we’re going to decide.”
In June, De Bruyne revealed to the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws that he and his family were contemplating a potential move, attracted by the idea of a lucrative payday towards the end of his career.
“For Michele, an exotic adventure is OK,” De Bruyne said. “These are also conversations that we are having more and more as a family. I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what can happen. My eldest [child] is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way. At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that. If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money.”
De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015 and has since been instrumental in the club’s success, helping them secure 15 major trophies. Despite the current calm in the transfer market, City remains vigilant, continuing to monitor potential targets should any of their key players depart.
One such player is Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, who City reportedly admires and has tracked closely. Eze could become a serious target if a forward leaves the squad.
For now, Guardiola’s assurance about De Bruyne’s stay brings stability to City’s plans as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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