Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said it is “almost impossible”; to replace Kevin De Bruyne, but stopped short of calling for a U-turn on his exit.
De Bruyne has already announced that this season would be his last with City.
The 33-year-old is set to leave the Etihad as a free agent in the summer, a decision he is not very happy with.
Some fans have hoped that De Bruyne’s recent upturn in performances, including the winner against Wolves on Friday, would make the club change their minds.
And while Guardiola talked up the midfielder’s talents, it seems a new contract will not be in the offing.
On whether his stay could be extended, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “I want the best for Kevin so it cannot be possible to have done these many years without him.
“He has been an incredible player but the situation is what it is. It’s almost impossible to replace this kind of player.
“It is not just the performance, it is what he means to the heart for our fans for many, many years. The success we have belongs to the players.”;
