Trouble in paradise? - De Bruyne sparks Saudi Arabia rumours with Pep Guardiola feud

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 10 Mar 2024 17:52 GMT
• 4 min read

Kevin De Bruyne was seen having a spat with Pep Guardiola after being taken off as a substitute.

In a highly-anticipated match, Liverpoolfaced Manchester City at Anfield, with the Belgian starting in the first XI. But his coach opted to take him off during the second half with the game tied at 1-1.

But when he left the field, Sky Sports cameras picked up what seemed like a war of words between the pair.

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De Bruyne is believed to be one of the prime targets for Saudi Pro League clubs, alongside Liverpool's Mo Salah.

The 32-year-old is currently attracting attention from Saudi Pro League teams as the summer transfer window approaches.

He is currently under contract with Man City until the summer of 2025 - but the side are expected to entertain offers exceeding £100 million for De Bruyne in the upcoming summer window.

READ MORE: Latest Man City transfer news

If he left for the Middle East, he would join former Man City teammates in the league - Riyad Mahrez joined Al Ahli and Aymeric Laporte transferred to Al Nassr last summer.

What did fans say about the spat?

Fans watching the Premier League encounter had their say online about what they say, with some saying that a summer move looks more likely than ever.

Pep still explaining to Kevin De Bruyne why he took him off. You don’t often see that.

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) March 10, 2024

Wonder if Pep will freeze de Bruyne out the side or send him on loan back to Germany because De Bruyne questioned his management?

— 天蝎座 (@UtdEIIis) March 10, 2024

De Bruyne with his arms out there to Guardiola in shock and confusion as he's taken off.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) March 10, 2024

De Bruyne complaining that he’s put Doku on, screamed “it’s not Reading in the Carabao Cup”

— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) March 10, 2024

De Bruyne clearly not happy as he comes off.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) March 10, 2024

De Bruyne not too happy at being subbed. Protested to Guardiola in some way and then had a few words with someone on the City bench

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) March 10, 2024