Guardiola suggests De Bruyne must prove fitness to get new Man City contract

Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne’s form from now until the end of the season will be crucial if he is to be offered a new deal by Manchester City.

The Belgian midfielder is closing in on a decade at the club, but his contract is up at the end of the season and he is now free to talk to foreign sides ahead of a potential summer switch on a free transfer.

De Bruyne has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months and Guardiola conceded his future at the club after this season will hinge on whether he can sustain a healthy and consistent run of form.

Ahead of City’s clash with West Ham, Guardiola said: “He’s had problems in the last year and a half like many players but when he is consistent and fit he is a really important player for us. Decisive player for us.

“But it is about how he is going to perform for us until the end of the season, the club, his age and many other things, so I think the club has to think about it.”

De Bruyne has managed just 23 Premier League starts since the beginning of last season. Nevertheless, he has created a league-leading 3.9 chances per 90 in that time (of players to feature for at least 450 minutes), while also leading the competition for expected assists (0.49) per 90.

His next appearance for City will be his 400th for the club in all competitions. He has provided 164 assists across his 399 games so far.

While De Bruyne’s future is unclear, Guardiola has said he wants reinforcements in the January window as City look to correct their poor form.

However, Guardiola warned it will not be simple to bring targets in.

He said: “I don’t know right now. It is not easy and will not be easy.

“Maybe we will sign or maybe we won’t sign anyone.

“The club has to be wise. To add players in the situation that we are in when there are many consistent injured players then the club has to do it, but I don’t know if it will be possible to do it.”

Guardiola is also set to reward James McAtee with more minutes after his fine cameo against Leicester City, while he suggested Savinho’s first goal in English football, which came in the win over the Foxes, will hand the Brazilian a huge confidence boost.

“It made me believe that he [McAtee] should have more minutes,” Guardiola said.

“But he is young and there are a lot of games to play. I have big respect for how he behaves in the locker room.”

He added: “It is going to help him [Savinho]. He is so young and it is his first season in England. I think he has played well but as he is so young there are many things he can improve.”