Ending the Speculation: Pep Guardiola Shuts Down Rumours of Kevin De Bruyne Joining the Saudi Pro League This Summer
The speculation on Kevin De Bruyne’s potential move to the Saudi Pro League seems set to end after Pep Guardiola indicated that the Belgian playmaker will not be moving this summer.
After De Bruyne indicated that he would be open to moving to either the Saudi Pro League or the MLS, interest from top SPL sides has increased. It was reported that the Champions League winner had reached an agreement on personal terms with Al Ittihad. However, the news was soon rubbished with sources near the player indicating that no such terms had been reached.
In the latest episode of the saga, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come out to confirm that the player will be staying at the club beyond this summer. Speaking to the press during a pre-season conference, Guardiola said, “Kevin is not going.” He went on to note that the squad will largely remain as is and incoming transfers will only depend on the outgoings.
Despite risking losing De Bruyne for free next summer due to his contract expiring, Guardiola seems to have weighed the value that the playmaker brings to the squad. Speaking on de Bruyne’s qualities, he noted, “I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there.”
This supports De Bruyne’s earlier comments to Belgian press where he talked about staying at City beyond this summer. Talking about the rumours, he noted, “Yes [I will stay]. I’ve read a lot of headlines about a transfer but I haven’t spoken to anyone.” He acknowledged having spoken to the Saudi Pro League’s director of football Michael Emenalo but noted that it was not related to a transfer.
Al Ittihad and other Saudi Pro League clubs that were interested in him this summer will now have to move on to other targets to avoid getting caught flatfooted at the end of the transfer window.
