Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says the club will have to consider whether to offer legendary midfielder Kevin de Bruyne a new contract to keep him at the club.
The 33-year-old playmaker has been influential since joining City from Wolfsburg for a then-record fee of £55m in 2015, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups and the Champions League.
But he has struggled to get game time this season, scoring twice in 17 appearances.
Guardiola said: “It’s not my business if he gets a new contract.
Precise precision from @KevinDeBruyne 👌 pic.twitter.com/FZNBnZDwLv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 30, 2024
“He’s had problems in the last year and a half like many players, but when he’s consistent and fit, he’s a really important player for us. A decisive player for us.
“But it’s about how he plays for us for the rest of the season, the club, his age and many other things, so I think the club has 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, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.
One player who impressed at Leicester was James McAtee, who was excellent after replacing Phil Foden but barely featured all season.
Guardiola said: “That made me believe he should get more minutes.
“But he is young and has a lot of games to play. I have a lot of respect for the way he behaves in the dressing room.”
McAtee could feature again as City play West Ham on Saturday, with defender Ruben Dias close to a return.
Guardiola is unsure whether he will strengthen his squad this month, as January signings are notoriously difficult to make.
He said: “I don’t know at the moment. It’s not easy and it won’t be easy.
“We may or may not sign anyone.
“The club must be wise. To add players in the situation we are in when there are a lot of constantly injured players, then the club has to do that, but I don’t know if it will be possible.”
