Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rules out Kevin De Bruyne’s departure this summer

Pep Guardiola has discarded rumours surrounding Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne’s uncertain future at the club.

Speaking to the press ahead of Manchester City’s friendly match against Celtic in North Carolina, manager Pep Guardiola insisted that De Bruyne will not leave the side this summer. He said: “Kevin is not going”.

The Belgian superstar has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad this transfer window and speculation is rife due to the player approaching the final year of his contract with City.

Despite assurances, Guardiola reminded everyone of the unpredictability of the transfer market and explained how sometimes things may go out of his control if a considerable offer comes for a player in the final days of the window. He said: “I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there. But we’ll see, I don’t know in the last moment if someone comes for some players and they leave, we’re going to decide.”

De Bruyne was quizzed about his future by the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws during the Euros, he said: “Yes [I will stay]. I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer but I haven’t spoken to anyone.” The 33-year-old was seen having a conversation with Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo at the Club World Cup. Still, he dumped talks of a transfer by saying: “I saw him (Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo) at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn’t about that (a transfer).”

Trambak Bhattacherjee | Get Football