Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan might be heading home to Germany as per a report from Tz. The German international will be entering the final year of his contract with Manchester City next season and there have been no concrete extension talks between the club and the player – as said by the player himself.
"“I’m very happy at Man City. I can imagine staying beyond 2023. There are no concrete contract discussions”. – Gundogan"
Although the player is reportedly happy at Manchester and has an excellent working relationship with Pep Guardiola but the uncertainty in the player and manager’s words gives rise to constant speculation.
Pep Guardiola wants to keep the star midfielder in his pack for a few more years but will not stand in his way if the 31-year-old decides to drive for home pastures.
"“If you ask me personally, I want Ilkay Gundogan to stay here ar Man City. There is no one thinking he cannot be here”. “If he wants to leave, as a club we don’t know it” – Guardiola"
According to the report from Tz and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gungodan’s agents are currently in talks with City representatives but it is unlikely that they will reach an agreement considering the German’s age and expectations for the next season.
According to the Italian, FC Barcelona, German clubs and Arsenal FC are interested in securing his services. Romano does not mention which German clubs are involved.
Bayern Munich emerged as the front-runners in the race but given their recent signing of Ryan Gravenberch and having a whole stock of midfielders in their pack, they will need to wander away from the race. But provided his experience in the Bundesliga, many clubs will be looking to snatch his signature if he officially decides to leave Manchester.
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The current annual salary of the DFB player is estimated at eight to nine million euros a year and the market value of the German is set to be around 35million euros, so any club willing to sign him will need to equip themselves for a substantial rise in their wage budget.
It remains to be seen what happens with Ilkay Gundogan as Manchester City will be considering numerous factors before extending his contract and the decision of the player himself as he enters the twilight of his career – the possibility of returning to his country might tempt him.