Ilkay Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the season and previously said he wouldn’t put pen to paper on a new deal until he got assurances over playing time, so could Pep Guardiola’s treatment of the 31-year-old see him on his way out of the Etihad Stadium next summer?
Gundogan made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 10 goals with six assists. He started just 20 of 38 Premier League games, however, and only amassed 48 minutes of playing time in City’s Champions League semi-final clashes.
This campaign, he’s been benched in three league games and is frequently substituted when he does start, so Gundogan might not be happy with Guardiola’s squad rotating.
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The German international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and has gone on to make 265 appearances in all competitions, scoring 51 goals with 34 assists. Gundogan is the same age as Kevin De Bruyne, but he’s not as important to Guardiola when looking at their appearances each season.
Gundogan has played in 12 games across the board this campaign, scoring two goals with one assist, but he’s been substituted on or substituted off in five of his eight Premier League outings. After playing 75 minutes in the 6-3 win over Manchester United, Gundogan was an unused sub against Southampton. That has to hurt.
Guardiola has a difficult job keeping his squad happy, as there is world-class talent in every position and stiff competition for places, but Gundogan has openly stated that contract talks will depend on what his role in the squad is.
With the 31-year-old being dropped so Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva can form a midfield trio against Southampton, it doesn’t bode well for his chances of staying. City have even been linked with Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos, so might Gundogan feel he’s being replaced?
In other news, Rodri enjoyed successful return to Man City’s starting XI
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Crippy, where have you been? I’ve missed your articles. Gundogan has already extended his contract by a season. This season will be his last at the club. Of course Pep would like him to stay but the lad wants more playing time you say. Perhaps. City will redo their midfield again with Bellingham a target amongst others. No need to rush as Palmer, Macatee, Tommy Doyle, all enjoying playing footy at City or out on loan and with Foden KDB Grealish available Pep will replace Gundogan and Bernardo. It is called team building through evolution. Think of it as succession planning.