Kevin de Bruyne’s presence at the Etihad Stadium – on a day when City boss Pep Guardiola named only five outfield substitutes – offered a reminder that a decision needs to be made about the Belgian’s future.

De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the season and there are strong rumours linking the brilliant playmaker with a move to the new San Diego FC MLS franchise.

Given San Diego launch in the 2025 season, it would be fair to assume they would like their key men to be ready to join in the January transfer window.

So, while most of the talk at City has centred around whether Guardiola will stay, De Bruyne’s future is also of major importance, given he is one of the club’s highest paid players and has also spent rather a large amount of time on the injured list recently.

If De Bruyne was to leave, it would offer the financial flexibility to bring in a top-class replacement, who would be available for the majority of games, which feels like what Guardiola wants right now.

We are about to head into November – plans for the second half of the season need to be put in place.

Clarification over Kevin de Bruyne’s future would be most welcome.