Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected speculation about star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne potentially leaving the club.
De Bruyne, a crucial part of City’s team, played a key role in helping the club win the Premier League title last season, marking their fourth consecutive championship and his sixth since joining the team.
Recent reports have linked De Bruyne with a move to Saudi Arabia, suggesting he might be interested in new opportunities following a successful period with City.
The Belgian has won every major club trophy during his tenure and has one year left on his current contract. He recently hinted that he might consider a move to the Saudi Pro League due to attractive financial offers.
Despite these rumors, Guardiola remains confident about De Bruyne’s future at City.
In a pre-season press conference before their game against Celtic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Guardiola addressed the speculation and reaffirmed De Bruyne’s commitment to the club.
“Kevin isn’t leaving,” he told reporters. “If someone leaves, we are going to talk about that and, of course, until the last day [of the transfer window] we have chances. I don’t rule out new players as an option, but I think there is an 85, 90, 95% chance we will have the same squad.”
Guardiola’s confidence suggests that Manchester City are likely to retain the core of its championship-winning squad as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
City’s first match of the new season is set against Chelsea on August 18.