Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that Kevin De Bruyne will remain at Manchester City for the upcoming season, despite speculation linking the Belgian midfielder with a potential transfer to a club in Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne's contract with City is set to expire in just one year, and he has openly acknowledged having discussions with his wife, Michele, regarding his future plans beyond his current deal.
"For Michele an exotic adventure is OK," De Bruyne said in a hint that he could end his successful spell at Premier League champions City.
In a press conference held before Manchester City's friendly match against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola firmly stated, "Kevin isn't leaving".
De Bruyne, who has been an integral part of Manchester City's success since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, played a crucial role in the team's historic fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, despite missing the first half of the campaign due to injury. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the Belgian playmaker has helped the club secure an impressive tally of 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown.
Although Guardiola has made it clear that De Bruyne will remain with Manchester City for the upcoming season, there is still uncertainty surrounding the player's long-term future at the club. It remains to be seen whether the Spanish manager can convince the influential midfielder to extend his stay in Manchester beyond the current campaign.
"My eldest (child) is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way," De Bruyne said in a recent interview.
"At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.
"If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money."
Guardiola has stated that the club will not undergo significant alterations to the team's roster prior to the commencement of their Premier League campaign. The opening match is scheduled against Chelsea on August 18.
Recent reports have suggested that Eberechi Eze, currently playing as a winger for Crystal Palace, is a potential target for the reigning champions. Additionally, there are rumors circulating about possible offers from Saudi Arabian clubs for City's goalkeeper, Ederson.
"Of course, until the last day, we have chances (to make transfers), I don't rule it out the option to have new players but I think there is an 85,90 per cent chance we will have the same squad," Guardiola 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. If someone leaves, we're going to talk about that."
