Kevin De Bruyne has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad; 33-year-old has year left on his contract at Manchester City; Pep Guardiola says midfielder won't leave this summer; City are currently on a pre-season tour in the United States
Tuesday 23 July 2024 12:28, UK
Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne will not leave Manchester City this summer.
Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad have been linked with De Bruyne, who has entered the final year of his contract at City.
However, speaking ahead of Manchester City's friendly against Celtic in North Carolina, manager Guardiola said: "Kevin is not going".
"If someone leaves, we're going to talk about that," added Guardiola.
"Of course, until the last day, we have chances (to make transfers), I don't rule out the option to have new players but I think there is an 85/90 per cent chance we will have the same squad.
"I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there.
"But we'll see, I don't know in the last moment if someone comes for some players and they leave, we're going to decide."
De Bruyne said at the Euros that he would be staying at City beyond this summer.
Asked by Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws ahead of the last-16 defeat to France about his future, he said: "Yes [I will stay]. I've read a lot of headlines about a transfer but I haven't spoken to anyone.
"I saw him (Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo) at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn't about that (a transfer).
"It's hard to say now (what my next move will be). We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.
"I signed my contract at the right time. If you get a good offer and you tell Pep (Guardiola) you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.
"I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes... that is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends."
De Bruyne signed for City in the summer of 2015 and has since won 15 major trophies.
City are currently quiet in the market given the confidence they have in the talent of their Premier League-winning squad.
However, they have continued to do due diligence on a number of players should they lose one of their stars.
Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze is understood to be one the club admires and has tracked - is and likely to be one of several players looked at more seriously if a forward departs.
Guardiola has been linked with the England job amid reports the FA would consider appointing an interim to try and coax the Man City boss should he decide to leave the club in 2025.
For now, Guardiola is only thinking about his current role.
"I'm really excited for this season," said Guardiola. "I'm really happy here.
"Like every season, I need the break definitely. But after that, I charge my batteries and have the same energy as usual.
"I know the competition is coming, I will be who I am. I'm completely focused on that."
Guardiola believes Jack Grealish has returned in "perfect" condition after the disappointment of being left out of England's Euro 2024 squad.
Grealish made just 10 starts in the Premier League last season and Guardiola says it's down to the forward to earn more minutes.
"He's really good," said Guardiola. "I think he's come back perfect with the same happiness and unbelievable attitude with the group.
"Hopefully he can have a good season to push his mates to deserve a place in the team to play as regularly as two seasons ago. It absolutely depends on him."
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
