Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has denied allegations linking Kevin De Bruyne with a move away from the club, amid speculation the Belgian midfielder could leave for Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne, whose contract runs in 2025, stated last month that he is open to a departure, but Guardiola believes the squad will not change significantly before the transfer market closes on August 30.
“Kevin is not going,” Guardiola stated at a news conference at North Carolina State University, before the team’s first U.S. tour match against Celtic.
“I’ve been happy with the squad for many years. I’m not sure what will happen in the market; if someone leaves, we’ll talk about it.”
“However, 85-95% of our team will remain the same. We’ve made an influence in the market and each circumstance is unique. I’m at ease since the talent on our team is impossible to replace.”
De Bruyne signed for City in the summer of 2015 and has since won 15 major trophies.
Last week, City bought 20-year-old Brazilian winger Sávio, and Guardiola stated that Kalvin Phillips, who was on loan at West Ham United, had been practicing with the first team.
City’s Premier League title defense begins on August 18 against Chelsea. But first, they face derby rivals Manchester United at Wembley on 10 August. The Community Shield kicks off the English football season.
