Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has dismissed reports linking Kevin De Bruyne with a move away from the club, specifically to Saudi Arabia.
The Belgian midfielder hinting last month that he might consider a move but Guardiola confirmed there will be no major changes to the squad before the transfer window closes on August 30.
“Kevin is not going,” Guardiola stated during a news conference ahead of their opening U.S. tour match against Celtic.
“I am delighted with the squad for many years. I don’t know what will happen in the market, if someone leaves, we will talk about that. But 85-95% we [will] have the same squad. We’ve made an impact in the market [over the years] and every situation is different. I feel comfortable because the quality we have in the squad is difficult to replace.”
Kevin De Bruyne had been heavily linked with a summer transfer to Saudi Arabia with one year left on his contract. He stated last month that he would accept an offer from the Saudi Pro-League due to the “incredible money” available.
City recently signed 20-year-old Brazilian winger Sávio, and Guardiola also confirmed that Kalvin Phillips, who was on loan to West Ham United, has been training with the first team.
“[Sávio] can play on the wing, and when he is one-v-one, he is devastating,” Guardiola added. “He is young and to bring in one or two players to keep things fresh, it is necessary but we cannot change six or seven. It is impossible and unsustainable. Many players want to come here but we didn’t get agreements from the clubs and when they ask a very high price we don’t do it.”
Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defense at Chelsea on August 18.
