Pep Guardiola offers update on Gundogan contract situation

PREMIER LEAGUE Pep Guardiola offers update on Gundogan contract situation

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 15:03 - 18.02.2023

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that Ilkay Gundogan is free to decide his own future as he inches closer to the end of his contract.

Manchester City captain, Ilkay Gundogan will be a free agent in the summer when his contract expires and as of right now, he is yet to renew.

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Gundogan's City future uncertain

Rumours of interest from Europe’s biggest clubs have intensified in recent weeks, especially Spanish giants, Barcelona. 

Despite the uncertainty regarding his future, Gundogan remains a key part of the present Manchester City setup. He was named club captain at the start of the season and is never far away from the starting lineup every week. 

Guardiola spoke on the situation in his press conference before the game against Nottingham Forest.

"I think I know my opinion about Ilkay. What Ilkay has done against Aston Villa last season [scoring two late goals to seal the Premier League title] he can do whatever he wants," Guardiola said.

"He has the paradise already. So he knows exactly my opinion about him.

"The club knows it and it is a question for him and his agent. What is going to happen I’m pretty sure is going to be good for him.

"Really we want how he is behaving, how he has behaved all his life in Manchester but what is going to happen? This kind of things belongs to the club and the player."

Big picture for Gundogan

Gundogan remains one of City’s vital players. He has transformed his game as he has gotten older. Moving from a deeper role to a player who is now more proficient in and around the box. 

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

It is no wonder clubs from around Europe continue to monitor his situation closely. 

Gundogan's agent was recently seen meeting with Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff which has sparked speculation regarding the possibility of a transfer to the Nou Camp. 

For the moment, Gundogan remains focused on the Premier League title race and Champions League football at Man City. 

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