Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola, has moved to quashed rumours surrounding the immediate future of his star midfielder, Kevin DeBruyne. Reports have emerged in recent weeks of a proposal from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, to lure the Belgian star away from the Etihad.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of his team’s pre-season friendly in the United States said, “Kevin is not going.” The Spanish tactician said he expects to have a similar squad to what he had last season.
“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.”
“If someone leaves, we’re going to talk about that,” Guardiola added.
DeBruyne who has one year left on his current city contract spoke concerning the rumours, especially after he was spotted talking with Saudi League exdcutive, Michael Emenalo.
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.
