Guardiola: Replacing Kevin De Bruyne at Man City is 'Impossible'

MANCHESTER, Dec 7 — Pep Guardiola has admitted that replacing Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City will be an almost impossible task, given the Belgian’s immense impact over the past decade.

De Bruyne, 33, has helped City win six Premier League titles and 13 major trophies since joining in 2015, a year before Guardiola’s arrival. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, De Bruyne has hinted at a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

Guardiola said, “I’d love to have a 23-year-old Kevin and sign him for another 10 years,” acknowledging that De Bruyne’s legacy at City is unparalleled.

De Bruyne recently returned to action after a three-month absence, playing a key role in City’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Guardiola, managing his minutes carefully, may have to call on him again for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace due to an ongoing injury crisis.

With several key players, including Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, and Rodri, sidelined, Guardiola faces a tough challenge as he navigates a fixture-packed schedule