Guardiola reveals huge release clause; insists De Bruyne is not for sale

Pep Guardiola has issued a hands-off warning to Kevin De Bruyne suitors and revealed the Man City playmaker has a huge €250million release clause.

The Belgium midfielder is currently sidelined with a knee problem, which will keep him out until November, but Guardiola is more aware than ever of the value of the 27-year-old.

De Bruyne injured his right knee in a training-ground incident in August, damaging his lateral collateral ligament (LCL), but he will not require surgery.

The former Wolfsburg man signed a new six-year contract in January and there has been very little speculation surrounding the player, although his agent Patrick de Koster claimed in February that Real Madrid and Barcelona had expressed an interest in De Bruyne.

Guardiola though has labelled him “incredible” and he is Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa’s favourite player.

“He’s very good. He’s a very dynamic player,” Guardiola said in an interview with Universo Valdano.

“[Leeds United boss] Marcelo Bielsa told me he was his favourite player. He does everything.

“The other day, I met his parents and you often understand how the children are when you know the parents.

“He’s an incredible boy. The clause is €250m. I’m sorry, he’s not for sale.”