Manchester City extended Zach Steffen’s contract one week ago and Ekrem Konur says they’re trying to tie another player down to an extension – Ilkay Gundogan. The 31-year-old’s existing deal is up in 2023 but City plan to ‘hold talks’ with Gundogan that could see his stay at the Etihad Stadium run until 2025.
It’s a big statement of intent given Gundogan will be 34 years of age when his contract is up, but he’s been an important player for Pep Guardiola and clearly has enough life in his legs to continue at the top level. The German international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and has gone on to make 222 appearances in all competitions, scoring 41 goals with 29 assists.
Gundogan is coming off the back of his most prolific season of his career, scoring 17 goals with five assists in 46 games, so this proposed new deal would be a reward for that form. He’s one of the first names on the teamsheet under Guardiola and appears happy to stay in Manchester for the foreseeable future.
City have been quick to protect their valuable assets by tying players down to long-term deals and Gundogan could be the next one.
In other news, Man City make enquiries for 23 y/o with five goals and five assists in 11 games