Although expectations indicated that Ilkay Gundogan would be part of the anticipated revolution at Manchester City next summer, the club’s management surprisingly decided to extend his contract.
The German star returned to City last summer after a single year with Barcelona, signing a contract until the summer of 2025 with the option to extend for another year.
With City’s decline this season, the club’s decision not to renew Kevin De Bruyne’s contract, and reports that the club was looking to recruit younger players, the trend was for Gundogan to leave as well.
Ultimately, City manager Pep Guardiola announced in a press conference that his club had activated Gundogan’s one-year extension clause and that he was part of his plans for next season.
At the same time, Guardiola inexplicably opened the door to the possibility of Gundogan’s departure, saying he did not know what would happen in the summer.
It should be noted that Gundogan has played 43 matches with Guardiola’s squad this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
