Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had reportedly feared that star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan would join Liverpool this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan has an excellent relationship with Jurgen Klopp due to their time together at Borussia Dortmund. And Manchester City feared that the German midfielder would reunite with the 52-year-old at Liverpool this summer – as reported by the Express.
However, it appears that Gundogan is now keen to prolong his stay at the Etihad Stadium. He is, in fact, tipped to pen a contract extension at the club, which could come as a massive boost for Pep Guardiola. The Catalan has made only two major signings this summer, and so it is imperative that he keeps hold of his current crop of players.
Gundogan, to that end, has a contract with Manchester City that will expire at the end of the 2019-20 season. He was linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund earlier this year. But, the German giants instead focused on strengthening their attacking department this summer, notably bringing in the likes of Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard.
Gundogan has not really enjoyed a sensational spell at Manchester City since joining the club back in 2016. But, his presence in the midfield will be crucial for the Citizens this season as they aim to retain their Premier League title.
With Fernandinho nearing the end of his career, the German international can be considered as an ideal backup for new signing Rodri. The former Atletico Madrid star is expected to become a mainstay at the base of the City midfield.
Gundogan, in that regard, could be utilised as a potential alternative in the deep-lying playmaker role in case Rodri gets injured during the course of the campaign. Besides, he can also provide competition for the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva and Bernardo Silva.
As for Liverpool, they could have plotted a move for the ex-Dortmund star this summer. He has the quality to enhance the club’s midfield department as well as provide an additional option for Klopp as far as his tactical choices are concerned. But, most importantly, the 28-year-old can be an ideal alternative to Naby Keita, who has struggled to make his mark for Liverpool so far.
Moreover, Gundogan’s past experience of working under Klopp could have made it easier for him to settle in quickly at Liverpool. And the fact that he can also provide the creative essence in the final third might have been helpful for Liverpool, who are yet to sign a single attacking reinforcement in the ongoing summer transfer window. But, for now, Gundogan looks set to stay at Manchester City.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had reportedly feared that star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan would join Liverpool this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan has an excellent relationship with Jurgen Klopp due to their time together at Borussia Dortmund. And Manchester City feared that the German midfielder would reunite with the 52-year-old at Liverpool this summer – as reported by the Express.
However, it appears that Gundogan is now keen to prolong his stay at the Etihad Stadium. He is, in fact, tipped to pen a contract extension at the club, which could come as a massive boost for Pep Guardiola. The Catalan has made only two major signings this summer, and so it is imperative that he keeps hold of his current crop of players.
Gundogan, to that end, has a contract with Manchester City that will expire at the end of the 2019-20 season. He was linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund earlier this year. But, the German giants instead focused on strengthening their attacking department this summer, notably bringing in the likes of Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard.
Gundogan has not really enjoyed a sensational spell at Manchester City since joining the club back in 2016. But, his presence in the midfield will be crucial for the Citizens this season as they aim to retain their Premier League title.
With Fernandinho nearing the end of his career, the German international can be considered as an ideal backup for new signing Rodri. The former Atletico Madrid star is expected to become a mainstay at the base of the City midfield.
Gundogan, in that regard, could be utilised as a potential alternative in the deep-lying playmaker role in case Rodri gets injured during the course of the campaign. Besides, he can also provide competition for the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva and Bernardo Silva.
As for Liverpool, they could have plotted a move for the ex-Dortmund star this summer. He has the quality to enhance the club’s midfield department as well as provide an additional option for Klopp as far as his tactical choices are concerned. But, most importantly, the 28-year-old can be an ideal alternative to Naby Keita, who has struggled to make his mark for Liverpool so far.
Moreover, Gundogan’s past experience of working under Klopp could have made it easier for him to settle in quickly at Liverpool. And the fact that he can also provide the creative essence in the final third might have been helpful for Liverpool, who are yet to sign a single attacking reinforcement in the ongoing summer transfer window. But, for now, Gundogan looks set to stay at Manchester City.