Manchester City have reportedly informed midfield maestro Ilkay Gundogan that he is free to find a new club for himself in the summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Mail, Ilkay Gundogan is all set to leave Premier League champions Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window, with the club informing him to find a new club.
Gundogan arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, becoming the first signing of the Pep Guardiola era. The German international had endured a tough spell in the early stages of his career in England due to injuries, but over time, he grew into a mainstay in the centre of the park for the Cityzens.
Gundogan has made 252 appearances for Manchester City thus far, bagging a return of 47 goals and 33 assists in the process. The 31-year-old has had a pivotal role in the success that the Mancunian outfit have enjoyed in recent seasons and has continued to perform at the highest level this term as well, racking up eight goals and six assists in 42 games.
However, Gundogan will be entering the final year of his contract with the reigning Premier League champions in the summer. There had been talks of a potential extension for the midfielder. But, as per the report, the club have told him that he does not feature in the plans moving forward and have informed him to find a new club.
Even though Gundogan has featured prominently, the 31-year-old has had to share game-time with fellow midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Rodri. And, with Manchester City plotting to sign another central midfielder in the upcoming summer, his playing time could have taken a further hit.
The former Borussia Dortmund star, for his part, wishes to play week in and week out, something that Manchester City cannot guarantee at this point. So, a separation of ways is now on the horizon, with the Cityzens deciding to cash in on him in the upcoming summer rather than losing him for nothing next year.
Should Gundogan become available, there is unlikely to be a shortage of suitors for the 31-year-old. The German international has previously been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. As for Manchester City, they are already set to lose Fernandinho, and with Gundogan also likely to depart, a new midfielder will be necessary. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has been identified as a target.
