Pep Guardiola has stated Manchester City have triggered a contract extension – only days after it was reported that Kevin De Bruyne would be leaving the club.
On Friday 4 April, Premier League star De Bruyne posted to social media to declare he will be departing City after 10 trophy-laden years and will embark on a new endeavour.
The Saudi Pro League and MLS have been highlighted as prospective destinations for the Belgian, who rolled back the years with a magnificent display in the 5-2 comeback triumph against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Out of contract in the summer, De Bruyne is among a handful of City stars who are coming towards the conclusion of their cycle at the Etihad Stadium.
City is anticipated to continue restocking their roster in the summer after acquiring four younger players during the January transfer window.
However, Ilkay Gundogan’s contract extension with the Premier League winners has been announced by Guardiola.
Gundogan, the captain of City during their historic triple victory, played a season at Barcelona before returning on a free transfer last summer when his contract was mutually ended.
The one-year contract was given to the former Germany international, who was not anticipated to start for City during his second stint.
What led to Ilkay Gundogan’s contract extension?
However, because to several injuries to important players, Gundogan has played more often than anticipated, making 43 appearances and accumulating over 2700 minutes.
Gundogan, who turned 34 in October, has played more than anybody else save Josko Gvardiol. Additionally, the former midfielder for Borussia Dortmund has been automatically extended for another season as a result of his activity.
During a news conference, Guardiola affirmed, “He definitely has one more year left on his contract.”
He has one more year left on his contract, but I’m not sure what will happen (in the summer). I recall the Gundo from Leicester, Bournemouth, and today’s match against Crystal Palace, when we won the Treble and Quadruple and a key player.
Thus came his energy, his speed, and his defensive wits. Gundo has been a huge help to us. Additionally, since it’s not about you, you, you, we were unable to assist him as a team. Due of the team’s poor performance, everyone was down and below.
“The individuals elevate when the team does well. You cannot play football in the present day without it.
Galatasaray has reportedly shown interest in Gundogan, and he may yet leave City for a second time. However, any suitors would have to pay a transfer price.
Despite being a City icon, Gundogan has occasionally appeared slow in midfield and acknowledged that the Premier League has changed in a “unbelievable” fashion following his year away.
Gundogan doesn’t “have the legs to run 40m,” according to Guardiola, but his first City acquisition is now expected to remain until 2026.
