Man City make Ilkay Gundogan transfer decision – ‘Pep has made up his mind’
Pep Guardiola is set to make a decision about whether to let Ilkay Gundogan leave Man City this month as he enters the final year of his contract.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 34-year-old’s long-term future at the Etihad amid interest from the likes of Galatasaray.
Guardiola is reluctant to let the midfielder go before the window closes, with his experience providing a valuable asset to a young, new-look City squad.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City are planning to accelerate first-team sales after Guardiola demanded his squad be trimmed over the summer.
However, Gundogan is now not expected to be one of the departing players and is seen as a valuable member of the squad despite widespread changes.
That is despite Brown telling Football Insider on 19 June that Galatasaray are plotting a move to sign Gundogan as part of their big-spending transfer window.
Pep Guardiola to block Ilkay Gundogan’s Man City exit
Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Gundogan could leave Manchester City alongside the likes of Jack Grealish to clear the wage bill.
However, with just one year remaining on his deal, there is a growing possibility the Germany international could stay for one more year before leaving for free.
O’Rourke explained that while City have considered cashing in on the Germany international, the boss is not willing to see him leave this summer.
“I don’t think Pep would like to lose Gundogan,” he told Football Insider.
“He would prefer to keep his experience having lost the likes of Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne.
“Obviously, there will be speculation about his future, he’s into his final year of his contract at the club now at 34 years old and he’ll turn 35 in October.
“This summer is probably City’s last chance to really cash in on him.
“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.
“His first-team opportunities might be more limited this coming season following the arrivals of Reijnders and Cherki in that midfield role.
“But Gundogan still has a role to play under Pep Guardiola.
“The player himself, despite constant links to Galatasaray and Turkey, is happy to stay at Man City.
“He will remain at City for this season and maybe could leave at the end of his contract next year.”
Rodri set for new contract offer amid Real Madrid interest
Alongside Gundogan, Man City are also making efforts to ensure Rodri remains at the club beyond the summer window despite interest from Real Madrid.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 8 August that Man City are doing everything to keep Rodri and convince him to sign a new contract.
The midfielder is believed to be happy at the Etihad ahead of the new season and is closing in on a full return from injury after picking up minutes at the Club World Cup.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that City plan to offer Rodri a new deal to deter interest from Real Madrid after struggling to feel the gap he left in the side.
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