Pep Guardiola could have another summer exodus on his hands if reports are to be believed. Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have been linked with permanent exits, but James Ducker of the Telegraph says Kevin De Bruyne might have an uncertain future too.
He wrote: “De Bruyne, the midfield talisman behind four league titles, turns 32 in June and City – who like to plan their windows 18 months in advance – recognise he will not go on forever.” The report coincides with De Bruyne being dropped recently by Guardiola, so the writing may be on the wall.
The Belgian international has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals with 17 assists, but he’s been criticised by his manager for a lack of goals and has been dropped twice from the starting lineup in two of City’s last three Premier League games.
Up until mid-January, De Bruyne would frequently play a full 90 minutes in the league, but he’s only managed 108 minutes from their last 270 (40%). Guardiola’s tinkering has been questioned many times in the past, but it does seem the City manager can’t settle on his best XI this season due to the sporadic form of his players.
De Bruyne would usually be indispensable, but even he isn’t safe from the rumours. And after how quickly Cancelo was loaned out to Bayern Munich, fans won’t dismiss any report. The 32-year-old has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal and probably won’t extend his stay by that time.
Is his immediate future still at City though?
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