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Pep Guardiola reveals where he expects Kevin De Bruyne to be playing next season with Man City contract expiring in a matter of months

Pep Guardiola “expects” Kevin De Bruyne to sign an extension with Manchester City as the coach urged senior stars to stay at the struggling side.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Belgian midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, with interest from Major League Soccer clubs and Saudi Arabia fuelling rumours of a potential departure. Guardiola, however, remains optimistic about keeping De Bruyne and has also called for other senior players to stay as City navigate a transitional phase.

AFP

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

“There are players here that their age is over 30, but they are part of the future of this club. Kevin and the club will decide on his future. Everyone who has a contract for next season, I expect him to be here,” he told reporters on Friday.

“They are going to help us. Next season will be a lot of games. We cannot do it just with our new ones. They will be able to help and be part of our season.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City underwent a significant squad overhaul in the January transfer window, spending £180 million ($223m) on fresh talent to rejuvenate their ranks. The club brought in Omar Marmoush (26), Vitor Reis (19), Abdukodir Khusanov (20), and Nicolás González (23) as part of a long-term squad-building approach. With this youthful injection, the futures of several senior players—including Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Éderson—have come under scrutiny.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reports from The Times suggest that De Bruyne is willing to remain at Manchester City beyond this season, even if it means adapting to a less prominent role in Guardiola’s squad. The Belgian reportedly recognises that he may not be able to contribute as extensively as in previous years but is prepared to play a supporting role in City’s evolving setup.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

As Manchester City continue to balance on-field ambitions with off-field squad planning, the team is preparing for their next challenge in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle in a fifth-round clash on Saturday.