Ilkay Gundogan ‘wants to stay at Man City’ after Pep Guardiola decision
Ilkay Gundogan is keen to remain at Man City beyond the end of the summer transfer window despite interest from Galatasaray.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 34-year-old’s place in Pep Guardiola’s plans amid speculation about his future.
With just one year remaining on his contract, it had been suggested that City could cash in on the Germany international, but he has no desire to leave.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on on 9 August that Guardiola wants to keep Gundogan at Man City despite aiming to cut numbers from his squad.
His experience, know-how and leadership qualities are seen as an important part of what has become a squad packed with younger players this summer.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in June that Galatasaray want to sign Gundogan – but that move will now be blocked.
Ilkay Gundogan to survive Guardiola’s Man City overhaul
Brown told Football Insider that City are planning to accelerate first-team sales after Guardiola demanded his squad be trimmed over the summer.
Gundogan had been widely tipped as one of the players to leave as part of that overhaul, but the manager has now made up his mind about letting him go.
O’Rourke explained that while City may want to cash in on the midfielder, neither Guardiola nor Gundogan are prepared to see him leave this summer.
“This summer is probably City’s last chance to really cash in on him,” he told Football Insider.
“But I feel with the changes that are going on at City, they have spent heavily to reshape the squad and Pep would like to keep a bit of experience around.
“His experience and leadership would be a valuable asset for this new-look City side.
“Gundogan still has a role to play under Pep Guardiola.
“The player himself, despite constant links to Galatasaray and Turkey, is going to be happy to stay at Man City as well.
“I think the player will remain at City for the season and then maybe he could leave on a free transfer when his contract expires.“
Rodri to become highest-paid player alongside Erling Haaland
Amid speculation about Gundogan’s future, Guardiola is also determined to keep hold of Rodri as the star man in his first-choice midfield.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 11 August that Rodri could be made City’s highest-paid player alongside Erling Haaland.
Haaland is believed to earn £525,000 per week [via GOAL], outranking Mohamed Salah, who signed a £400,000-per-week deal in April, as the Premier League’s biggest earner.
Meanwhile, Robinson told Football Insider on 8 August that City are doing everything to agree Rodri’s contract extension amid interest from Real Madrid.
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