Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly dismissed recent rumours linking star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne with a transfer to the Saudi Arabia Pro League as KBD approaches his final season of Premier League contract.
Kevin De Bruyne was a central figure in Manchester City's historic fourth Premier League title victory last season as he delivered crucial assists and goals in clutch situations to help City achieve an extraordinary feat in PL history.
However, the 2024-25 PL season will be Kevin's last stint in City colours, as his existing contract is set to expire by the end of the season. While City have been luring him into a long-term extension, De Bruyne appears more inclined towards the Saudi Pro League due to the massive financial upsides.
Earlier this year, the midfielder sent waves amongst the Cityzens when he admitted that moving to Saudi to make more money than what City currently offers him has indeed crossed his mind and that a future transfer is definitely on the table as he will evaluate his family needs in due's time.
However, amidst a frenzy of transfer rumours. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola squashed the rumours once and for all at the press meet ahead of the club's pre-season game against Celtic.
Pep confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne isn't leaving this summer and that he expects no changes in the City squad for the upcoming PL season. The manager also highlighted De Bruyne's dedication to Manchester City and his desire to achieve more with the successful team.
""Kevin isn’t leaving. If someone leaves, we are going to talk about that and, of course, until the last day [of the transfer window] we have chances. I don’t rule out new players as an option, but I think there is an 85, 90, 95% chance we will have the same squad.""Pep Guardiola
While Pep was sure about Kevin's future aspirations, he couldn't necessarily commit to acclaimed goalkeeper Ederson's stay at City. The Brazilian keeper is aggressively pursued by Saudi teams with Al-Ittihad ready to meet a $65 million mega transfer fee.
""I'd like him to stay but it depends on other clubs. I don't know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It's a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we'll see.""Pep Guardiola
However, Guardiola assured the fans that City would do everything it could to retain Ederson. But at the same time, in case Ederson chooses otherwise, Stefan Ortega will replace him as City's first-choice goalkeeper for the impending PL season.
Interestingly, Manchester City could also make a surprise move for popular PSG face Gianluigi Donnarumma in the wake of Ederson's Saudi transfer. However, the financial considerations will pose a significant roadblock to City's ambitious summer plans
Regardless, the bottom line is Manchester City is unlikely to make any roster changes for the 2024-25 Premier League season, which indirectly places them all the way to the front in the iconic title-defending season campaign.