Man City boss Pep Guardiola has defended his comments surrounding his future at the club, but admitted he is closer to leaving than staying. (1:07)
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is aware that Julián Álvarez is considering his future at the club after the Argentina striker declared he wants to play more “important games.”
Álvarez, 24, featured in 54 games across all competitions for City last season but the World Cup winner recently indicated he was not given enough playing time in the big occasions.
A target of Atlético Madrid, Álvarez said he will make a decision regarding his future after competing for Argentina at the Olympics.
“I knew that he [Álvarez] said that he is going to think about it,” Guardiola said.
“When he finishes thinking about it, his agent is going to call [City football director] Txiki [Begiristain] and we are going to see what happens. I know he wants to play in important moments but the others [do] too. I have 18 or 19 players that want to play important games.
“He played a lot but if he wants more, it’s fine. When he thinks about it he’ll inform us.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, gave an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s future. The Belgium midfielder, whose contract expires in June 2025, has interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Guardiola said last week that De Bruyne would stay at the club next season.
However, Guardiola has now indicated that De Bruyne, who completed his ninth season at City, could leave if an offer comes along and the player accepts it.
“The club informed me that they didn’t get an offer,” Guardiola said. “To leave [he] needs an offer. I don’t know what is going happen but I’d love for him to stay.
“He earned the credit to decide his future for himself for what he has done for this club is massive. That’s why he has to decide. The info I have right now [is that] he is going to stay.”
Manchester City goalkeeper Éderson has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. Sources recently told ESPN that City will only listen to offers in excess of £40 million ($51.6m) for Ederson.
Guardiola wants Ederson to remain at the club, underlining that the Brazil international plays an “important role” in the locker room.
When asked about his future at City, Ederson said: “Nothing has been decided. It’s gratifying to hear that Pep [Guardiola] wants me to stay. It’s the eighth season with him. It’s easy to work with him because he is a football genius. I’m happy here.”
Ederson, 30, has been Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper for seven seasons and has two years left on his contract.