Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly prepared to approve Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from the club this summer. The Belgian midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of the season, could be on his way out after a challenging campaign marked by injuries and limited appearances.
Man City, currently experiencing a rare slump under Guardiola, have lost their last five matches in all competitions, including three consecutive Premier League defeats. Their most recent loss, a shocking 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham, has sparked speculation about potential changes to the squad in the upcoming transfer windows.
Several key players, including De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Ederson, and Kyle Walker, have been linked with moves away from the Etihad in recent months. At 33 years old, De Bruyne has only managed four Premier League starts this season and appears to be contemplating his future.
During a press conference on Monday, De Bruyne admitted uncertainty about his plans, citing an injury earlier in the season that delayed contract discussions. “I honestly don’t know,” he said. “At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen, but then the injury happened. I put it all to the side. I need to be back on the pitch and be myself again. There’s no rush.”
Guardiola also addressed De Bruyne’s situation, stating, “Kevin will decide by himself, like David Silva or others did. He wants to finish here, this season or the next, still being at his best.” According to reports from Spain, however, Guardiola is reportedly “ready to give his blessing” for De Bruyne to leave, believing the player’s peak years are behind him. The manager is said to view De Bruyne’s current form as insufficient to warrant a long-term extension and notes potential signs of reduced motivation from the midfielder.
As City prepares for a squad overhaul, the club is reportedly targeting reinforcements, with one intriguing possibility being a move to re-sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The 21-year-old, who joined Ipswich last summer, has impressed with six Premier League goals this season. Football Insider claims City are “keeping tabs” on Delap’s progress and considering him as part of their rebuilding efforts.
De Bruyne’s potential exit marks the end of an era for one of City’s most influential players, as the club looks to refresh its roster and address its current struggles.