Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s friendly game against Celtic in North Carolina, head coach Pep Guardiola has unequivocally put to rest the swirling rumours about Kevin De Bruyne’s potential departure from the club. The steadfast confirmation from the Manchester City manager comes amidst mounting speculation suggesting the Belgian midfielder’s possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad. De Bruyne, who has been a linchpin at City for nearly nine seasons, was purportedly in discussions for a move, which Guardiola emphatically debunked on Tuesday.
“For those concerned about Kevin, let me make it absolutely clear: he is not going anywhere,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. He added, “If anyone leaves the club, we will have a dialogue about it. Up until the last day of the transfer window, anything can happen. But as it stands, there is an 85 to 90 percent chance that we will retain the same squad.”
Teaming up with a squad that managed to clinch the Premier League title in the 2023-24 season, despite De Bruyne missing the first half due to injury, the seasoned manager emphasized the irreplaceable quality within his current roster. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges ahead, should any pivotal players decide to exit. “The quality of individuals we have is unmatched. But I am prepared for any last-minute changes. If players leave, we will deliberate on our next moves,” he concluded.
Rumours regarding De Bruyne’s contact with Al Ittihad have gathered pace over the last few days. Tracing the midfielder’s nine-year tenure with Manchester City, fans were taken aback by the sudden possibility of him exploring a new chapter in his career in Saudi Arabia. A move of that magnitude was bound to draw opinions from all corners, and Guardiola’s words couldn’t have come at a better time to instill confidence among supporters.
This affirmation, however, does not eliminate the possibility of new signings. Guardiola hinted at the potential to bring in fresh talent before the transfer window closes. “We’re constantly looking to strengthen our squad.
. While I believe we will likely enter the new season with our current lineup, I’m open to adding new faces if opportunities present themselves,” he shared. This leaves room for speculation that City might still be active in the transfer market in the coming weeks.
Despite De Bruyne’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded EURO 2024—where he managed just one goal in four games—his contributions to Manchester City’s success remain invaluable. During the Premier League’s last season, he scored four goals and provided 10 assists in 18 matches, showcasing his indispensable role in the team. Even when he was sidelined due to injury, his presence was sorely missed, and his return forthrightly bolstered City’s campaign for the title.
The context of De Bruyne’s performance with the national team during the EURO 2024 contrasts sharply with his club performances, offering a more comprehensive view of his professional journey over recent months. Many attribute his below-par performances in the EURO 2024 to the residual effects of his earlier injury and the subsequent recovery period.
Guardiola also touched upon the challenge of replacing high-caliber players like De Bruyne, saying, “Replacing someone of Kevin’s caliber, both in terms of skill and human quality, is a near-impossible task. We are fortunate to have such talented individuals, and that makes our job easier yet more challenging when considering potential transfers.”
De Bruyne’s journey with Manchester City is nothing short of remarkable. Starting from his arrival, scaling through numerous milestones, setting club records, and being pivotal in earning major trophies, he has become synonymous with the club’s recent history. This backdrop feeds into the sentimental and practical reasons why his potential departure would send waves across the football fraternity.
Furthermore, Guardiola’s statements have broader implications for the Premier League and Manchester City’s rivals. By retaining their key midfielder, City reasserts their ambition and preparedness for the upcoming season—a clear signal to all competitors that they aim to defend their title with tenacity.
This update on De Bruyne and Manchester City’s transfer strategy, brought forth by Guardiola, provides much-needed clarity for fans and football enthusiasts. It also reflects the club’s stance on maintaining cohesion and quality within the team while cautiously navigating the transfer market. While the future holds its uncertainties, for now, City fans can rest assured that Kevin De Bruyne remains an integral part of their squad as they look forward to another promising season.
