Guardiola Confirms De Bruyne’s Stay at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that Kevin De Bruyne will remain at Manchester City this season, dispelling rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

With only one year left on his contract, De Bruyne recently discussed his future with his wife, Michele, suggesting a possibility of an “exotic adventure.” This led to speculation about a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

However, on Tuesday, UK press reports indicated that Guardiola dismissed any notion of the 33-year-old leaving the team. Speaking before Manchester City’s friendly against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola affirmed, “Kevin isn’t leaving.”

After missing the first half of last season due to injury, De Bruyne returned to help City secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, he has won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Although Guardiola is confident De Bruyne will stay for this season, the midfielder’s future beyond that remains uncertain. De Bruyne recently commented on his family’s attachment to England and the financial considerations of a potential move.

“At my age, you have to be open to everything. 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 said in a recent interview.

Meanwhile, Guardiola mentioned that major squad changes before the Premier League season opener against Chelsea on August 18 are unlikely. Despite links to Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze and potential offers for goalkeeper Ederson from Saudi Arabia, Guardiola emphasized the stability of the current 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 if someone leaves, we’re going to decide,” Guardiola added.