Transfer News: Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will not be leaving Manchester City this summer, despite rumors linking the midfielder to a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Belgian player had previously admitted that he was ‘open’ to a move to the Middle East as he approaches the final year of his contract with Manchester City. As a result, Kevin De Bruyne could potentially end his decade-long tenure at the Etihad at the end of the upcoming season, unless the club can persuade him to sign a new deal.
For now, however, De Bruyne will remain part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the Catalan coach having already stated that the player will not be leaving this summer.
“Kevin will not be going,” Guardiola said, as quoted by 90Min.
“If anyone leaves, we will discuss it.”
“Of course, until the last day, we have the chance I am not closing the door on new players, but I think there is an 85-90% chance that we will have the same squad.”
I feel confident because the quality of our players is hard to replace, and their talent is clear. But we’ll see; I don’t know if, in the final moments, someone might come in or leave. we’ll decide then.”
Guardiola’s comments dispel recent rumors that De Bruyne had agreed on personal terms with Al Ittihad—the same club that hosts Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante.
Pep Guardiola Insists Kevin De Bruyne Will Not Leave Man City
English Premier League News: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has assured that Kevin De Bruyne “will not be leaving” the club this summer, despite speculation linking the star playmaker with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Pro League club, reportedly offered a £59 million annual salary to Kevin De Bruyne, who has one year remaining on his contract with City.
De Bruyne, who recently revealed he had discussed his future with his wife Michele, became a transfer target following the large offer from Saudi Arabia.
However, ahead of City’s friendly match against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola confirmed that the 33-year-old player will remain in Manchester.
“If anyone leaves, we will discuss it,” Guardiola told reporters.
Of course, until the final day, we still have the opportunity to make transfers. I am not ruling out bringing in new players, but I think there is an 85-90% chance that we will keep the same squad.”
Guardiola added that he feels comfortable with the current squad, given the quality and ability of the players.
The quality of our squad is hard to replace, and it’s evident,” he said. “But we’ll see, I don’t know if, at the last moments, someone comes and others go; we will decide.”
De Bruyne, who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015, has secured 15 major trophies with the club.
English Premier League News: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has just arrived in North Carolina, and Erling Haaland’s presence during an open training session drew thousands of fans who braved a storm to see their idol.
Some fans even sang a birthday song to the Norwegian player. However, Haaland seemed too focused on the field, especially when Jack Grealish showcased his signature style in a rondo session, where Grealish appeared very enthusiastic despite a challenging year recently.
Guardiola, who has just completed his two-month break, started the preseason with great energy.
In his brief comments, Guardiola challenged Grealish to regain his place in the England national team after being left out of Euro 2024.
“He’s been really good, I think he’s come back perfectly,” said Pep Guardiola. I hope he can perform well in the regular season and inspire his team to find their place in the team, as he did the last two seasons. ”
On the other hand, James McAtee, who was recently loaned to Sheffield United, has shown impressive performance. Guardiola, who has been monitoring McAtee’s development during his loan spell, now sees him as a potential candidate for a role in the first team this season.
“His future is still uncertain, but he has a chance to prove himself in this preseason,” Guardiola said.
In his statement, Guardiola also mentioned how important the rest period was and how it helped him recharge his energy.
I am fully focused on preparing for the new season and keeping up my usual level of energy.” The competition is approaching, and I am ready for it,” he concluded.Manchester City boss.
Man City Lose to Celtic, Pep Guardiola Remains Calm: Good! No Injuries
Manchester City lost 3-4 to Celtic in a preseason match at Kenan Memorial Stadium, North Carolina, USA, on Wednesday (24/7/2024) morning WIB. The loss did not bother Pep Guardiola, who saw the positive aspects of his team’s performance.
Man City engaged in a back-and-forth game with Celtic. After leveling the score twice, City eventually succumbed 3-4.
City’s goals were scored by Oscar Bobb, Maximo Perrone, and Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Celtic’s four goals came from Nikolas Gerrit Kuhn, who scored twice, and Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Enrique Palma.
Despite the loss in the match held in the eastern U.S. state, Pep Guardiola admitted he enjoyed the momentum his team experienced there.
This is my first trip to North Carolina since I became a manager.” It’s been great; the hotel has been excellent, and the location is very convenient.” The training pitch is artificial, but we’ve adapted well,” said Pep Guardiola.
A Good Match
Regarding the match against Celtic, which was also City’s first preseason game of the summer 2024, Pep Guardiola did not mind the defeat.
In fact, he saw it as positive that his team went through the game without any injuries.
“It was a good test, with no injuries so far, which is the most important thing,” Pep Guardiola emphasized.
“Overall, I noticed many positive aspects in the match.” We created numerous chances.”
