Kevin De Bruyne to remain at Manchester city - Guardiola

Manchester, 

Tuesday, 23 July, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Manchester city boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will not leave the club despite attracting fancy interests from Saudi Based clubs. 

“Kevin De Bruyne’s NOT leaving”, Pep Guardiola has just confirmed in a press interview. 

There has been wide circulating reports that the Belgian star has already agreed on personal terms with Saudi club Al Ittihad only waiting for Manchester city's approval, but trusted sources have since debunked the news. 

There are not even talks between Al Ittihad and the Belgian star as per Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The 33 year old Belgian playmaker has just a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

His exit has been considered likely since his recent remarks about his age and his desire to pick a lucrative deal before retirement.

De Bruyne said before that he is "open to everything" as he discussed the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia just before the EURO 2024.

De Bruyne said the "incredible" contracts on offer in the Saudi Pro League could be appealing towards the end of his career, and explained he had discussed his future with his wife.

"For Michele, an exotic adventure is OK. These are also conversations that we are increasingly having as a family," De Bruyne told Belgian broadcaster VTM. 

"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."

De Bruyne said that should he spend two years in Saudi Arabia, he would be "able to earn an incredible amount of money".

The Belgian playmaker won six Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining in 2015.

He led city to their fourth consecutive Premier league title last season only playing just 26 games in all competitions while he captained Belgium to the EURO 2024 despite and early exit. 

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola made clear of his intentions to retain young talent James McAtee. 

“I’d love to have James McAtee and to keep him next season”.

The 21 year olserved a loan spell at relegated Sheffield United last season. 

“He’s special guy to play in small spaces, in the pockets, we don’t have many”.

“I’ve a high, high opinion of McAtee and I also know his huge potential”. Guardiola added. 

The Spanish manager further expressed his desire to see Rodri win the Ballon D'OR after a stellar season at Manchester city and leading Spain to the EURO 2024 victory. 

“I can’t deny how happy I would be if Rodri could get the Ballon d’Or”.

“His consistency is just brutal”.

“Being in the race, being nominated, or winning the Ballon d'Or is fantastic!”.Pep said.

Both De Bruyne and Rodri were not included in Manchester city's US tour for the Pre-season preparations ahead on the 2024/25 Premier league season.