Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he has not got any influence over Kevin De Bruyne’s future at the club.
The Belgian midfielder is out of contract in the summer and could leave for free, with Saudi Arabia reportedly keen to take him on.
But Guardiola has not ruled out the 33-year-old extending his stay at the Etihad.
Speaking in his press conference, Guardiola said: “I’m not involved in that” [discussions over his future at the club].
“I would like to have a 23-year-old sign a contract for ten years for him, this is what I’d like, we’ll see.
“The player, the impact legacy of the club will be forever, of course it’s not easy, as a club we have in the moment it’s going to happen, we have to find the best way.”
PEP 💬 They [Crystal Palace] are playing really good… In the last 10 games last season [they were] one of the best teams. The patterns they have are so aggressive, they are really good and it’s so difficult to make build-up. pic.twitter.com/l0enRxwC6C
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 6, 2024
Another player who has been linked with a move away from Manchester is Jack Grealish.
The former Aston Villa man has found it hard to come by minutes this season, but he retains the belief of his manager.
Guardiola added: “He has attributes to play there [in a central role].
“I think Aston Villa from the left position, the winger position, going more inside, here more a fixed position, more in the places but he can adapt perfectly in both positions.
“All the players who are struggling for their fitness condition right now, for the injured players and for the players who are fit.
“That’s why I said it depends how you are going to feel [for the] next games.”
