According to credible journalist Sam Lee/@SamLee via The Athletic City captain Ilkay Gundogan is in talks for a new contract if reports are to be believed. The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and over the last few days, reports have emerged that the German international was close to joining Barcelona in the summer window. However, these rumours seem to be untrue and Gundogan looks to be extending his stay with the club.
Sam Lee also states that the recent renewal of manager Pep Guardiola could be the major factor that makes Gundogan choose to renew with the club.
Gundogan was purchased from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million in June of 2016, and was the first signing of the Guardiola tenure and has amassed 279 appearances for the Blues so far. Gundogan has scored 51 times for City and is the 46th top scorer in the club’s history.
So far this season, the German international has scored twice and assisted a further two times. Gundogan carried City on his back in the 20/21 season when star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was injured and scored 13 times in the Premier League including an incredible brace in back-to-back fixtures against Liverpool and Tottenham.
The most memorable moment of Gundogan’s career came in the final game of the 21/22 season at home to Aston Villa, when the champions found themselves 2-0 down with 20 minutes left and needing to win to ensure they retained the title, Gundogan stepped up and bagged himself a brace scoring the winning the goal to ensure City lifted the title on the final day of the season.
A new contract for Gundogan is a fantastic positive for City fans and perhaps with the German currently doing his coaching badges, he can be integrated into a coaching role once his playing days at City come to an end.