Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has put to rest recent speculation regarding Kevin De Bruyne’s future at the club, making it clear that the Belgian midfielder will not be departing the Etihad Stadium this summer, despite persistent rumors suggesting a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
Kevin De Bruyne, one of Manchester City’s most influential players over the past decade, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with reports linking him to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
The rumors gained traction after De Bruyne himself hinted that he might be open to exploring opportunities in the Middle East, particularly since he is now entering the final year of his current contract with City.
As it stands, De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, raising questions about his long-term future with the Premier League champions.
However, in a recent press conference ahead of Manchester City’s pre-season friendly against Celtic, Guardiola was adamant that De Bruyne would not be leaving the club this summer.
The Catalan manager, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized that the club has no intention of parting ways with the Belgian star during the current transfer window.
“Kevin is not going,” Guardiola stated unequivocally when asked about the rumors surrounding De Bruyne’s potential exit.
He acknowledged the ongoing transfer speculation but firmly dismissed any notion that the midfielder had agreed to a move to Saudi Arabia.
“If someone leaves, we’re going to talk about that,” Guardiola added, indicating that while transfers are always a possibility in football, De Bruyne’s departure is not on the agenda for this summer.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been an integral part of Manchester City’s success since joining the club in 2015.
Over the past nine years, De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in the team’s dominance in English football, helping City secure 15 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
His vision, passing ability, and leadership on the field have made him one of the most respected and admired players in the game.
Despite entering the final year of his contract, De Bruyne’s future at City remains uncertain beyond the upcoming season.
The club has yet to reach an agreement with the player regarding a contract extension, leaving the door open for potential suitors.
However, Guardiola’s recent comments suggest that City are not ready to let go of their star midfielder just yet.
Guardiola also hinted that while the club is always open to making new signings, he is confident in the quality and character of the current squad.
“Of course, until the last day, we have chances [to make transfers],” Guardiola said.
“I don’t rule out the option to have new players, but I think there is an 85/90 percent chance we will have the same squad.”
He went on to express his satisfaction with the current group of players, highlighting the difficulty of replacing the “quality of human beings” in the squad.
The rumors linking De Bruyne to Al Ittihad, a Saudi Pro League club that has already signed high-profile players like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante, were particularly concerning for City fans.
However, Guardiola’s statements have effectively shut down these rumors, at least for the time being.
As the new season approaches, the focus will likely shift back to De Bruyne’s performances on the pitch, where he will once again be expected to play a crucial role in Manchester City’s quest for more silverware.
The Belgian playmaker, who has been a consistent performer at the highest level for nearly a decade, will be aiming to add to his already impressive trophy haul and further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.