This one player has become a mainstay of Pep Guardiola in recent years, he has successfully become a field general in every match and on average always provides assists to Manchester City's attackers. Even though he is no longer young, Kevin De Bruyne's impressive performance has not disappeared and coupled with Manchester City's squad which is so perfect in all positions, he is able to play in collaboration without relying on individual skills.
Kevin De Bruyne has a role as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. I liken their football styles to each other a little bit. He's everything for Manchester City. The teams that managed to stop him manage to beat Manchester City. However, there are other teammates who increase his performance. For example, Ilkay Gundogan is one of them. The harmony of these players makes the perfect passing connections of the team. Ilkay will most likely leave Manchester City at the end of the season. Kevin De Bruyne will continue to play high-level football for Manchester City for several more seasons. I think Pep Guardiola will continue to reinforce this region with young players.
In fact, the age difference between Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan is only one year, and if indeed Gundogan can still make a big contribution to Manchester City then it seems Gundogan still deserves to get a new contract. At least for the next season Gundogan can still play well, but if indeed Manchester City have no interest in extending his contract maybe that won't be a problem.
I only think that when the player is still able to play well for the team's performance, then it will be better for Manchester City to be able to give a new contract at least to appreciate the player for having contributed to Manchester City's achievements so far.
But yes, of course as a team with good management they will be able to regenerate at the right time. Because maybe letting him go would also be good for Gundogan, because if he is kept and then more on the bench it won't be good for Gundogan either.
So yes, letting go if that is the best choice because the aim is for these players to still get a place in the main squad with their new team later, then that will also be something good and can respect one another.