Ilkay Gundogan could be on his way out of Manchester City this summer as his contract is up at the end of the season and there doesn’t appear to be a new deal on the horizon.
The 32-year-old was believed to be in talks over a contract extension back in 2021, but there has been little progress made, so Kevin Campbell believes they’ll be on the hunt for a long-term replacement.
He named Jude Bellingham as Gundogan’s successor at the Etihad and thinks City may already have the 19-year-old in mind to fill the German international’s shoes.
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Campbell told Football Insider: “You have to guarantee Bellingham game time to get him. City may need to get one out. Guardiola is going to freshen up again next summer. It would be fair enough of City to let Gundogan leave at the end of the season.
“It will free up a chunk of wages for them. They could go and buy somebody. Bellingham could be an option. Imagine Gundogan leaving and Bellingham replacing him. That is the way City do it. We know how they operate.”
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 and has gone on to make 108 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals with 20 assists. The 19-year-old, who is a regular in the England national team, has scored eight goals with two assists from 18 games this season, so he’d be a great option in Gundogan’s stead.
It’s not just City who are showing an interest, however. Real Madrid and Liverpool are keen on Bellingham, but Dortmund want £100m for the central midfielder so he won’t come cheap.
Pep Guardiola recently showered the 19-year-old in praise before City’s 0-0 draw with Dortmund, calling him “something special” and saying he has the “whole package”. It remains to be seen where Bellingham will end up if he leaves Dortmund, however.
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