**Pep Guardiola has stressed that the challenge to find an able long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne across the European game at Manchester City is a difficult one.**
The 33-year-old remains in the final year of his existing Manchester City contract, and with no extension negotiations in sight at present, this will be his final season at the Etihad Stadium as things stand.
De Bruyne has previously revealed that talks had been planned from his side before an abdomen and groin injury hampered his ongoing season, leaving him to postpone such discussions until he was back at full fitness.
With the iconic Manchester City playmaker having now returned to their starting line-up, delivering a first-half assist and goal in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, conversations over whether the club will want to prolong his stay have intensified on Friday.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, and in light of a stellar performance from the Belgian in midweek, Guardiola was quizzed on whether there had been any developments on the future of De Bruyne.
“I don’t know. I’m not involved in that,” Guardiola said. “I would like to have him at 23-years-old and sign a new contract for 10 more years. This is what I would like. But we will see,” he continued.
Guardiola was also asked on the incredible challenge that faces inevitably Manchester City when it comes to sourcing a suitable long-term replacement for the legendary Belgian midfielder.
“There are players whose impact and legacy (at Manchester City) will be eternal, will be forever,” the 53-year-old admitted. “It’s not easy, but we have as a club, we have to find, in the moment that it’s going to happen, we have to find the best way.”
It remains to be seen whether Kevin De Bruyne is deemed fit enough to start consecutive matches in a two-game week at this stage of his recovery towards full fitness, with Guardiola having previously insisted upon the patience that is required with the Belgian.
Manchester City find themselves in fourth position heading into the next round of matches this weekend, trailing Liverpool by nine points after Arne Slot’s side were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle on the same evening the champions defeated Nottingham Forest.