Omar Marmoush reacts to Ilkay Gundogan’s message after Man City transfer stance revealed
Ilkay Gundogan posted a motivated message amid fresh speculation about his Manchester City future.
Man City are putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Moroccan side Wydad AC on 18 June.
Gundogan is expected to be involved, but with the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders ahead of the tournament, questions remain over whether the German will retain his place in the starting XI.
His future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with reports suggesting Gundogan was among several Man City high-profile players who could be moved on this summer, alongside Jack Grealish and Ederson.
However, that stance appears to have shifted. Football Insider revealed on 18 June that Man City may now block a summer exit for Gundogan, despite reported interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Amid the uncertainty, the midfielder has shared an uplifting message with fans, hinting at his focus ahead of the tournament and offering a possible sign that he remains committed to the task at hand.
| Club statistics | Ilkay Gundogan |
| Matches | 354 |
| Goals | 63 |
| Assists | 46 |
Ilkay Gundogan gears up for Club World Cup amid transfer speculation
While rumours continue to circulate over his future, Gundogan shared a message with fans as the City squad landed ahead of their clash with Wydad AC.
He wrote: “Everything ready for MD1,” alongside the hashtag “Come on City”.
Plenty of teammates responded to the post with likes, including Omar Marmoush, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji.
Gundogan has enjoyed a memorable spell under Pep Guardiola, lifting five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at the club.
However, since returning to Manchester last summer following a short stint at Barcelona, his form has come under increasing scrutiny.
Man City fans were critical of Gundogan’s performances last season, questioning Guardiola’s decision to keep him in the starting XI. Now, with the arrival of Reijnders, who appears to offer a similar midfield profile, a change in the line-up could be on the horizon.
Jack Grealish left out of squad as Man City exit nears
While Gundogan may yet stay at the club, the future of Jack Grealish looks far less certain.
Grealish was omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad by Guardiola, adding fuel to speculation about his potential departure.
Football Insider revealed Grealish’s time at Manchester City is “over”, with interest mounting from both Premier League rivals and clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, it remains unclear when and where a move will be finalised.