Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the club will have 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 for a club record fee of £55m in 2015, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Premier League Cups and a Champions League. .
But he found it difficult to play this season, scoring two goals in 17 matches.
Guardiola said: “It is none of my business if he gets a new contract.
Accuracy of @Kevin De Bruyne 👌 pic.twitter.com/FZNBnZDwLv
– Manchester City (@ManCity) December 30, 2024
“He has had problems in the last year and a half like many players, but when he is consistent and fit, he becomes a really important player for us. A crucial player for us.
He added: “But it is about how he performs for us until the end of the season, the club, his age and many other things, so I think the club should think about it.”
“He should get more minutes”
City beat Leicester last time out, but they start the new year in sixth place in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.
One player who impressed for Leicester was James McAtee, who was impressive after replacing Phil Foden but barely featured all season.
“It made me think he should have more minutes,” Guardiola said.
He added: “But he is still young and there are a lot of games to play. I have great respect for how he behaves in the locker room.
McAtee could feature again when City face West Ham on Saturday, with defender Ruben Dias set to return.
Guardiola is not sure if he will add to his squad this month, as signings are very difficult to complete in January.
He said: I don't know now. It's not easy and it won't be easy.
“Maybe we will sign or maybe we won't sign anyone.
“The club has to be wise. Adding players in the situation we are in when there are many players constantly injured, the club has to do that, but I don't know if it will be possible to do that,” he added.
