Manchester City must think about a new deal for Kevin de Bruyne
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says the club needs to consider whether to offer legendary midfielder Kevin de Bruyne a new contract to stay at the club.
The 33-year-old playmaker has been influential since joining City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-record fee of £55 million, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups and the Champions League.
However, he found playing time difficult to find this season as he scored two goals in 17 appearances.
Guardiola said: “It’s none of my business if he gets a new contract.
Pinpoint precision from @KevinDeBruyne 👌 pic.twitter.com/FZNBnZDwLv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 30, 2024
“He has struggled like many players over the last year and a half, but if he is consistent and fit he is a really important player for us. A crucial player for us.
“But it’s about how he’s going to play for us until the end of the season, the club, his age and a lot of other things, so I think the club needs to think about that.”
“He should have more minutes”
City won at Leicester last time out but start the new year in sixth place in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.
One player who impressed at Leicester was James McAtee, who was great after replacing Phil Foden but barely featured all season.
Guardiola said: “It made me think he should have more minutes.
“But he is young and there are a lot of games to play. I have a lot of respect for how he conducts himself in the locker room.”
McAtee could be back when City face West Ham on Saturday, with defender Ruben Dias close to a return.
Guardiola is unsure whether he will strengthen his squad this month as new signings are notoriously difficult to make in January.
He said: “I don’t know at the moment. It is not easy and will not be easy.
“Maybe we will sign, or maybe we won’t sign anyone.
“The club has to be smart. In the situation we are in and there are a lot of injured players, adding players is something the club has to do, but I don’t know if that will be possible.”
