Guardiola speaks on Álvarez future at City

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.