Pep Guardiola acknowledges the challenge of finding a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne at Manchester City amidst ongoing transfer speculation

De Bruyne has been a key player in Manchester City's success since joining the club in 2015, winning six Premier League titles and a total of 13 major trophies. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, there is speculation about his future plans. The 33-year-old has teased the possibility of a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League, hinting at a potential new challenge ahead.

"I would like to have a 23 year-old Kevin and sign a contract for 10 more years," Guardiola said on Friday. "There are players that impact the legacy of this club and will be there forever.

"It’s not easy (to replace), but in the moment it’s going to happen we’ll see."

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De Bruyne was instrumental to City snapping a seven-game winless run by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Wednesday in his first start for nearly three months.

Guardiola has been cautiously managing the playmaker's minutes but conceded he may be pressed into selecting De Bruyne again for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace due to an injury crisis.

"We don't have many players so we'll see," added Guardiola. "Important (to have him) back but after a long time. (Now we play) three days, three days, three days, we'll see how does he react to this amount of games."

Phil Foden remains out due to illness, while Nathan Ake is sidelined by a muscle injury late on against Forest.

Rodri, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Oscar Bobb are also missing for the English champions.

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