Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed reports suggesting that star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will leave the Premier League club this summer. Speculations had emerged that the 33-year-old Belgian was set to join a Saudi Pro League team.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed via his X account that Guardiola stated, “Kevin is NOT leaving,” and clarified that De Bruyne will not be signing for a Saudi club this summer.
Previous reports from the BBC indicated that De Bruyne was considering a move to Saudi Arabia, with lucrative offers on the table. De Bruyne himself acknowledged last month that he would need to evaluate these offers, citing the “incredible money” as a factor.
Despite these rumors, Guardiola reassured fans ahead of the Blues’ first pre-season match against Celtic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, saying, “Kevin isn’t leaving.” De Bruyne played a crucial role in Manchester City’s Premier League title victory last season, their fourth consecutive win and his sixth with the club.
Additionally, City has shown interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, a squad member for England’s Euro 2024 tournament, and Brazil goalkeeper Ederson has also attracted attention from Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, Guardiola remains confident in retaining a similar squad to the previous season.