Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke on the future of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and his rumoured exit from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia.
The 53-year-old insisted there is no truth to reports linking the Belgian with a move away from the English champions.
De Bruyne, who has a contract until 2025 with the Cityzens, stated last month he is not ruling out a switch but Guardiola is adamant that his squad with not be altered at the end of the transfer window.
“Kevin is not going,” said Guardiola at a press conference at North Carolina State University on Monday ahead of their opening U.S. tour match against Celtic.
“I am delighted with the squad for many years.
“I don’t know what will happen in the market, if someone leaves, we will talk about that.
“But 85-95% we [will] have the same squad. We’ve made an impact in the market [over the years] and every situation is different.
“I feel comfortable because the quality we have in the squad is difficult to replace.”
Guardiola’s first summer signing was 20-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho while also explaining a sustainable way for his squad plans.
“Savinho can play on the wing, and when he is one-v-one, he is devastating.
“He is young and to bring in one or two players to keep things fresh, it is necessary but we cannot change six or seven. It is impossible and unsustainable.
“Many players want to come here but we didn’t get agreements from the clubs and when they ask a very high price we don’t do it.”
City commence the defence of their Premier League crown defence at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on August 18.