Ilkay Gundogan, a target for Barcelona, has held “loose” contract talks with Manchester City, with a decision depending on several factors.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Ilkay Gundogan has held preliminary talks with Manchester City regarding a new contract. The German international is waiting for clarity about Pep Guardiola’s contract, among other things, before making a final decision.
Ilkay Gundogan was the subject of interest for several clubs back in the summer. The German international could have departed from the Etihad when he entered the final year of his deal. But Pep Guardiola proved instrumental in keeping hold of the influential midfielder.
The veteran singlehandedly turned around a losing battle against Aston Villa on the season’s final day. Gundogan’s two goals from the bench clinched the title for Manchester City. It showcased his importance to the team, and Guardiola had no doubts about the decision to keep him on board.
Manchester City are now entering a pivotal period concerning Gundogan’s contract, which expires in the summer. The midfielder seems to have held “loose talks” about a 2-3-year contract with the club but is waiting on clarity over other factors.
News #Gündogan: In terms of a new contract at #MCFC he is not in a hurry. Expires in 2023. Important for him is the future decision of Guardiola. Loose talks about a new 2 or 3-y-c. No decision until spring 2023. Barcelona is highly interested in Ilkay. @Sky_Marc @SkySportDE 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/xfHv8YosrB
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 14, 2022
Keeping aside other elements in his decision-making, the future of Pep Guardiola is already considered vital in talks. Gundogan is seeking clarity on the Catalan tactician’s future at the club. The Manchester City manager could relay his decision during the World Cup-enforced break.
Last summer, Barcelona showed admiration for Gundogan and plotted a cut-price move. The interest from the Catalan giants remains, while other clubs could enter the chase if he does not renew terms with Manchester City.
Many reports have also claimed the Barcelona target is ready to leave Manchester City as a free agent next summer. But Manchester City want to keep him. As Guardiola could decide on his future in the coming weeks, the club could make a formal offer to Gundogan regarding his extension.
Gundogan will now switch attention away from contract talks to making a mark with the German national side in Qatar. The midfielder will likely play a prominent role at the World Cup, for he is one of their experienced stars in the squad. But Barcelona will be keeping a close eye on his situation at Manchester City amid uncertainties surrounding Sergio Busquets’s future.
