Pep Guardiola reveals what Manchester City have told him about Kevin De Bruyne’s future | OneFootball

Manchester City have informed Pep Guardiola on the status of Kevin De Bruyne’s future this summer, amid ongoing interest and admiration from Saudi Arabia.

The 33-year-old has been at the centre of uncertainty throughout the course of the ongoing summer, and reports into his future continued into his time with Belgian at the European Championships following comments made about potential interest and opportunities.

De Bruyne is widely believed to be an ambitious target of Saudi Arabian football officials, who are continuing to develop their game in the Middle-East, and are viewing the Manchester City playmaker as a transformational signing for the division.

While the Belgium international captain has openly admitted that the financial benefits of the Saudi Pro League could be too difficult to turn down, he has simultaneously admitted that he sees himself remaining at Manchester City for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

And that was a belief shared by his manager Pep Guardiola during a recent press conference, confirming that the legendary midfielder would not be going anywhere this summer, despite entering into his final year of contract.

Quizzed even further by reporters on Kevin De Bruyne this week, and how he knows that the midfielder is definitely staying at the club, Pep Guardiola provided insight into the messaging handed to him by the organisation’s hierarchy on the Belgian.

“No (I haven’t spoken to him directly), but the club informed me that they didn’t get any offers. So to leave, they have to get an offer,” Pep Guardiola revealed. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I would love, of course, that he stays.”

He continued, “He’s the eldest person, eldest player here. He was here before I arrived, I’m the second-oldest. It’s important; it’s what happened with David (Silva), for example, and the other players.

“He won the credit to decide his future, for himself. So what he has done for our club is massive, that’s why he has to decide. The info I have right now is that he’s going to stay.”

Kevin De Bruyne is expected to hold talks with Manchester City upon his return to the City Football Academy for pre-season training on Monday 5 August, with the club intensifying work towards the FA Community Shield against Manchester United.

It is understood that the Premier League champions would be keen to sign the Belgian to an extended agreement at the club, but there is likely to be no intention from the player to reduce his own salary, given the propositions made by Saudi Arabia in recent months.

One player who could yet be on his way out of the club is Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, after the 24-year-old confirmed this week that he will be making a decision on his own future following the conclusion of his Paris Olympic Games campaign this summer.