Can Manchester City make a u-turn on their Kevin De Bruyne exit decision? | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has issued more praise on Kevin De Bruyne and responded to questions as to whether the club can u-turn on their decision regarding the Belgian’s future.

Manchester City have taken the tough decision to allow arguably their greatest-ever player to leave upon the expiry of his existing contractual agreement at the club, which concludes this summer.

As such, after 10 years of service to the Etihad Stadium and providing some of the finest memories in the club’s history, Kevin De Bruyne will be free to join another side on a free transfer during the upcoming summer.

For many clubs, there will be no doubt about the quality of player that is up for grabs, and from the perspective of De Bruyne himself, the Belgian believes he still has the capabilities to operate at the very highest level in European competition.

And that viewpoint is being further backed up by the level of performance showcased during the Premier League run-in, with a vital performance to come back from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 5-2 in the Premier League, and score the winning goal against Wolves this week.

Speaking to Sky Sports after City’s 1-0 win on Friday night, Pep Guardiola was asked on Kevin De Bruyne’s admission to the same broadcaster after the contest, in which the Belgian insisted he feels as though he can still play for the club or at the level required in English football.

“He doesn’t have to prove anything, ANYTHING. I know his quality, his level, and everything. That’s all,” Guardiola responded.

He continued, “I just say thank you. The contribution against Crystal Palace at 0-2 down, he lifted us, and today the goal again. What can I say? I’m happy he’s finishing in this way, he has one more game here at the Etihad, and yeah, I just say thank you.”

And given the top-level nature of the 33-year-old’s performances in the final games of his Manchester City career, many supporters online have been wondering whether the club could make a u-turn on their decision to not offer a contract renewal.

“Yeah I know, but… I want the best for Kevin,” Guardiola said on the matter. “So, it cannot be possible what we have done in these many, many years without him. He has been an incredible player, but the situation is what it is.”

“It’s almost impossible to replace this type of player. It’s not just the performance, it’s what he means in the hearts of our fans for many, many years. The success we’ve had belongs to specific players and this is one of them, absolutely.”

Continuing during his post-match press conference, Guardiola said, “There are players like Sergio [Aguero], like Kevin, like Vinny [Kompany] that are in the heart of the people, it’s not just titles, numbers.

“It’s contribution in terms of affection and love and passion! He’s been one decade here, helping us to win absolutely everything, and still he’s here.”

Kevin De Bruyne’s final match in a Manchester City shirt at the Etihad Stadium will come as early as the penultimate game of the Premier League campaign when Bournemouth visit the north-west on Tuesday 20 May.

There remains a Final up for grabs for De Bruyne and his teammates before then too, with Crystal Palace the opponents at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 17 May and an opportunity for the Belgian and the club to end a largely disappointing campaign with major silverware.

The 2024/25 season will conclude for Manchester City at Craven Cottage with Fulham the opposition on the final weekend of the Premier League season.