Ilkay Gundogan has had a new deal on the table since 2021 but has so far resisted signing it, raising uncertainty over his future at Manchester City.
And while the 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium by various media outlets, Graeme Bailey says the Sky Blues aren’t panicking about the delay.
City are allowing Gundogan to take his time before making a decision on his future. This could be the German international’s last contract of his career, so he will want to make sure it’s the right call.
Bailey told TEAMtalk: “Ilkay Gundogan’s situation has not changed too much in recent months. City are giving him the opportunity to stay and a contract is on offer to him.
“The talks between City and Gundogan have always been amicable, no doubting that. He loves the club and they love him, but that is why they are not pressurising him in anyway, this will be his decision.”
Gundogan remains an important player in the squad, making 28 appearances from a possible 32 this campaign, so City would surely prefer to keep him for next season.
The 32-year-old refused to rule out a return to Germany in the past and Bailey has said he might be keen on a move to Spain amid Real Madrid and Barcelona interest, so he won’t be short of options if he leaves City.
Gundogan has said him staying at City could depend on his role in the squad, so that should give Pep Guardiola confidence of keeping him as he remains a regular. It remains to be seen when a decision will be made, however.
In other news, agent ‘offers’ Joao Cancelo to Barcelona, player ‘lost relevance’ under Pep Guardiola
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