Pep Guardiola: “Kevin De Bruyne will not leave.”

In the first pre-season press conference, coach Pep Guardiola quashed rumors about Kevin De Bruyne potentially leaving Manchester City to join the Saudi Pro League.

As Manchester City prepares for the 2024/25 season, coach Pep Guardiola spoke about the future of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne at the club.

Speaking at the first pre-season press conference in the United States, Guardiola made it clear: “No, Kevin will not leave.”

Guardiola’s statement comes amid speculation that De Bruyne could move to Saudi Arabia. Recent reports even suggested that the 33-year-old midfielder had agreed on personal terms with Al-Ittihad of the Saudi Pro League. However, these claims were quickly dismissed by reporters close to Manchester City.

De Bruyne is currently on vacation after participating in Euro 2024 with the Belgian national team. He is expected to return to training with Manchester City at the City Football Academy on August 5th, when Pep Guardiola and his teammates return from their U.S. tour.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing for their first pre-season friendly match against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The squad for this tour mainly consists of young players and those who did not participate in international tournaments over the summer, such as Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.

Guardiola also shared more about the team’s transfer plans: “Of course, until the last day, we still have the opportunity to make transfers. I do not rule out the possibility of new players, but I think there’s an 85-90% chance we will keep the squad as it is. I feel comfortable because the quality of our squad is hard to replace, and the quality is still there.”

However, the Spanish coach admitted that the situation could change at the last minute: “But let’s wait and see, I don’t know if at the last moment someone comes to buy some players and they leave, we will decide.”

For the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester United, it is still unclear how many of Manchester City’s key players, including De Bruyne, will be fit and able to start.

Some players who participated in major summer tournaments like Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol will join the team in New York before the second friendly match against AC Milan.

Guardiola’s affirmation that De Bruyne will stay is good news for Manchester City fans. The Belgian midfielder has been an integral part of the team’s success in recent years, and his presence will be crucial as The Citizens aim to defend their historic treble in the coming season.

By keeping De Bruyne and maintaining most of the current squad, Manchester City is showing determination to continue their dominance in the Premier League and on the European stage in the 2024/25 season.