Ilkay Gundogan was an unused substitute in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday and is still no close to putting pen to paper on a contract extension, so there is a chance he could leave at the end of the season – European giants like Barcelona and Juventus have already shown an interest.
The 31-year-old’s deal is up next summer, though he’s stated his future might depend on playing time this campaign, but Noel Whelan can’t believe there’s a possibility of him going. He says Gundogan is still a useful player for Pep Guardiola and should be kept for at least another year.
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Whelan told Football Insider: “The way he plays, he makes it look easy at times. He’s very fit, very professional, and can dictate a game from start to finish. I’d be very reluctant to lose a player like Gundogan. He’s got such control on a game, and he’ll have real control in the dressing room as well.
“Players like him are hard to come by. Once you have players like that at your club, you’ve got to squeeze all of the juice you possibly can out of them. I definitely believe he’s got another season at the top level because of the way he plays. He makes the ball do the work and he’s got real intelligence.”
Gundogan has made 267 appearances in all competitions since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring 51 goals with 34 assists.
The 31-year-old has started seven of City’s 11 Premier League games this season and has started three of their four Champions League outings, skippering the side too, so he’s still an important player.
But while Gundogan’s contract is running out without a renewal in sight, his future will continue to be speculated about. Guardiola would be foolish to let the German international leave as City aren’t blessed with replacement midfielders of his ilk – Phil Foden is the closest alternative.
Gundogan’s departure would require a replacement to be signed which wouldn’t be easy, so Whelan is right to say he’s worth keeping another year.
In other news, Pep Guardiola won’t be happy with Man City player’s performance v Brighton
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