Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that Kevin De Bruyne will not be leaving the club this summer, despite ongoing rumors suggesting that the Belgian midfielder could be headed to the Saudi Pro League.
These rumors had gained traction after De Bruyne himself mentioned that he was “open” to a move to the Middle East, particularly since he is in the final year of his contract with Manchester City. As it stands, De Bruyne’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, which has led to speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne’s openness to considering a move to the Saudi Pro League had sparked discussions that his time with Manchester City might be coming to an end.
However, Guardiola has made it clear that the club has no intention of letting their star player leave this summer. Speaking to reporters ahead of City’s pre-season friendly against Celtic, Guardiola emphasized that De Bruyne is a crucial part of his plans for the upcoming season and that there are no immediate plans to part ways with the midfielder.
“Kevin is not going,” Guardiola stated unequivocally, addressing the rumors head-on. He added that while the club remains open to potential transfers until the end of the transfer window, the likelihood of significant changes to the squad is low. Guardiola mentioned that there is an “85/90 per cent chance” that the current squad will remain intact for the upcoming season.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the quality and character of the players currently at his disposal, suggesting that replacing them would be difficult.
Guardiola’s remarks come amidst reports that De Bruyne had allegedly agreed to personal terms with Al Ittihad, a Saudi Pro League club that has recently signed high-profile players such as Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kanté.
These reports had fueled speculation that De Bruyne might be the next big name to make the switch to Saudi Arabia. However, Guardiola’s firm stance indicates that City are determined to keep hold of their influential midfielder, at least for the time being.
Since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2015, De Bruyne has been a pivotal figure in the club’s success, helping them secure 15 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles. His departure would undoubtedly leave a significant void in the team, and it appears that both Guardiola and the club’s management are keen to avoid such a scenario.
