Agbonlahor backs Ilkay Gundogan to complete Man City exit as decision made
Ilkay Gundogan could be prepared to quit Man City and join a club where he is a regular starter, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker suggested Man City may be prepared to sacrifice Gundogan if they can replace him with Jude Bellingham.
The 32-year-old, who was made club captain in the summer, is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the season.
Sources told Football Insider earlier this year (31 October) that City fear the midfielder will snub their offer a new contract and leave on a free transfer.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported on Monday (12 December) that Real Madrid have turned down the opportunity to sign Gundogan.
“He’s in his thirties now and you don’t know if the club are looking at Jude Bellingham,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It all depends on what the club has got planned.
“He might look at it and think ‘I want to be playing more’ because he’s not first choice. You look at it and it’s probably Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Rodri.
“He might look at it and think ‘I want to move for myself and play every week. I’ve don’t it all at Man City, it’s time to go’.
“It’s an interesting negotiation for sure.”
Gundogan played 20 times across all competitions this season before the break for the World Cup, including 16 starts.
The Germany international was Pep Guardiola’s first signing as Man City manager back in the summer of 2015.
In other news, the Man City owners are working on a “dream” deal almost 10 years in the making.