Guardiola comments on Kevin De Bruyne's exit rumours

Guardiola comments on Kevin De Bruyne's exit rumours

Eric Munene 14:00 - 23.07.2024

Kevin De Bruyne joined Man City in 2015 and has won 15 trophies

Speculation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne's future at Manchester City has been put to rest by manager Pep Guardiola, who emphatically stated that the Belgian midfielder will remain at the club despite recent rumors linking him to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

In a press conference ahead of Manchester City's friendly against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola addressed the swirling rumors with confidence, asserting, "Kevin De Bruyne isn't leaving."

Guardiola's assertion comes amidst reports that De Bruyne, who has one year left on his current contract, had been contemplating his future, discussing potential moves with his wife, Michele.

"If someone leaves, we're going to talk about that," Guardiola added, leaving the door open for potential transfers but emphasizing a high probability that City will retain their current squad.

Guardiola expressed comfort with the squad's quality and the exceptional human beings within it, suggesting that finding replacements would be challenging.

De Bruyne himself had hinted at considering a lucrative move later in his career, acknowledging discussions within his family about potential new adventures and his contract situation at City.

Despite this, Guardiola's assurance indicates a strong desire from City's perspective to retain their influential midfielder, who has been pivotal in their recent successes.

De Bruyne, who joined Manchester City in 2015, has amassed an impressive collection of 15 major trophies during his tenure, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City, while linked with potential midfield reinforcements such as Dani Olmo and Bruno Guimaraes, have yet to make significant additions to their squad this summer.

Guardiola's focus remains on maintaining stability within the team while leaving room for possible last-minute transfers before the window closes.

As the speculation subsides for now, Guardiola's declaration stands firm: Kevin De Bruyne remains a vital part of Manchester City's plans moving forward, poised to continue his legacy at the heart of their midfield.