De Bruyne will be ‘honest’ over future as Manchester City contract expires
Kevin De Bruyne will be “honest with himself” when making a decision about his future, according to Pep Guardiola. The 33-year-old midfielder is out of contract at Manchester City in the summer and is yet to enter formal talks over an extension.
De Bruyne has become a bit-part player this season as his body struggles to cope with the rigours of elite football. He endured a difficult afternoon against Liverpool on Sunday and is unlikely to start at Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Guardiola said of talks over De Bruyne’s future: “Nothing is going to change about that. Of course we know each other quite well and we are quite honest with that.
“I think in that situation he has to decide, that is the most important thing. He’s completely honest with himself, to decide what he feels and what he can do in the next period of his life. He’s 34 in the summer and he has to decide, like what happened with David Silva for example.”
Silva became a City legend over a 10-year spell before deciding to leave for Real Sociedad in 2020 when his contract expired. De Bruyne, who has won 14 major honours in his decade at City to become the club’s most decorated player, is free to talk to clubs abroad and has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and the US in recent months.
City are in a transitional phase under Guardiola, with four signings in January, and the head coach has admitted he will need to overhaul the squad in the summer. Older players, such as De Bruyne, who are struggling with the hectic schedule could be moved on, although Guardiola accepts he cannot lose too much experience, and the Belgian is open to staying.
Guardiola has worked with a small squad throughout his coaching career but is considering expanding his options. “You have to think about who can play every three days for a month,” he said. “That’s the most important thing, otherwise it can happen the same as this season. You have to try to avoid it.
“The club has to sign players but at the same time the club has to keep the players we have as much as possible. Because with the [Club] World Cup then immediately after the season, it will be even tougher next season. We need a little bit bigger squad next year.”
City have endured a difficult season with injuries, but are boosted by the news John Stones does not need surgery on a thigh problem. Guardiola is waiting to learn if Erling Haaland will be available at Spurs.
