Manchester City manager ruled out the possibility of the Belgian midfielder leaving for Saudi Arabia
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Despite reports in the English press suggesting that Kevin De Bruyne might leave for Al Ittihad, Pep Guardiola confirmed this Tuesday that the 33-year-old Belgian midfielder will not be leaving for Saudi Arabia and will stay at Manchester City, with whom he has just one year left on his contract.
“He is not leaving,” assured the manager of the four-time English champions at a press conference from the United States, where the team will have a pre-season camp, facing Celtic, Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.
Guardiola's statement puts to rest the speculation surrounding De Bruyne's future, which had been fueled by rumors of a lucrative offer from the Saudi club. De Bruyne, who has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, remains an integral part of Guardiola's plans for the upcoming season.
After captaining the Belgium national team in Euro 2024, De Bruyne is currently on vacation. He is expected to return to the club he has represented for nine seasons at the end of this tour. The midfielder's leadership and creativity on the field have been instrumental in City's domestic and European successes, and his continued presence will be a boost for the team as they aim to defend their Premier League title and make another strong push in the Champions League.
The pre-season tour in the United States will be crucial for Manchester City as they prepare for the new season. Matches against strong opponents like Celtic, Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea will provide valuable tests for the squad, helping them to build fitness and cohesion. Guardiola will be keen to integrate any new signings and ensure that the team is ready to hit the ground running when the competitive fixtures begin.
Updated: 11:16, 23 Jul 2024
