Kevin De Bruyne returned to Manchester City training with a new look on Tuesday and he got rinsed by manager Pep Guardiola.

Despite all the speculation regarding a possible move to Saudi Arabia, the Belgium captain was back at the City Football Academy this week alongside a slew of teammates after being afforded time off following the Euro 2024 and Copa America campaigns.

But De Bruyne immediately caught the eye with a dramatic change in appearance.

When he returned from his lengthy lay-off following surgery on his hamstring last season, the former Chelsea and Wolfsburg midfielder had grown his hair out and had it slicked back.

But he’s now rocking a top knot and the new trim got immediate attention when he stepped out of his car and walked into the building.

Image: Instagram/@mancity

De Bruyne did say that he needs to “cut my hair” and so we might not be seeing both he and Erling Haaland with matching ponytails in the Premier League.

And Guardiola made his feelings very clear on De Bruyne’s latest style. As he greeted the returning players, he told the 33-year-old: “You have to explain to me this hair!” as De Bruyne smiled.

Naturally, social media exploded with reaction to De Bruyne changing up his haircut.

One fan wrote: “The Erling Haaland influence is wild.”

A second said: “Haaland as midfielder.”

A third joked: “Kevin De Gallagher.”

A final user commented: “We all deserve an explanation from Kevin.”

City have been without a good chunk of their first-teamers for the tour of the United States but have now been given a huge boost ahead of the Community Shield against rivals Manchester United on Saturday.

After the showpiece at Wembley, City kick off the defence of their Premier League title against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 18 August.