De Bruyne Difficult To Replace For Man City, Says Guardiola

Due to the impact the Belgian has had over the past ten years, Pep Guardiola believes it is nearly impossible for Manchester City to replace Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne has won six Premier League titles among 13 major trophies since joining City in 2015, a year before Guardiola’s arrival.

The 33-year-old is leaving his contract at the end of the year, and he has previously suggested that the Saudi Pro League’s riches might make him attractive.

“I would like to have a 23-year-old Kevin and sign a contract for 10 more years”, Guardiola said on Friday.

“There are players who have an unwavering impact on this club’s legacy.”

” It’s not easy (to replace), but in the moment it’s going to happen we’ll see. “

De Bruyne’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, his first start in nearly three months, helped City end a seven-game winning streak.

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Guardiola has been careful with the playmaker’s minutes, but he acknowledged that he might be forced to make De Bruyne a second choice due to a possible injury issue for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

” We don’t have many players so we’ll see, “added Guardiola.

” Important (to have him) back but after a long time. (Now we play) three days, three days, three days, we’ll see how does he react to this amount of games. “

Phil Foden is still out with an illness, and Nathan Ake is still sidelined by a late-game muscle injury against Forest.

Rodri, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Oscar Bobb are also missing for the English champions.

Source: Channels TV