Gundogan ‘completely open’ to Man City decision as ‘dream club’ become one of two interested parties
Ilkay Gundogan is aware that this summer could be his last chance to make a big transfer away from Manchester City, with two clubs reportedly interested.
Gundogan’s future at Manchester City is in doubt, despite him being the man whose brace on the final day effectively won them the 2021-22 Premier League. The midfielder’s contract only has one year left to run on it.
Gundogan has already admitted he would have liked more gametime in the bigger games last season. There have also been doubts from the club’s side as to whether the Germany international will be offered a new deal.
According to Bild in his native country, Manchester City are indeed planning to extend Gundogan’s stay if they can. However, he may hold off putting his signature on a deal.
The report claims he is attracting interest from Barcelona and Juventus in La Liga and Serie A respectively. Interestingly, the former are named as his “dream club since childhood”.
At the age of 31, Gundogan is reportedly aware that time may be running out in his career to make such a move. Therefore, he could give serious thought to a departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Besides, the World Cup is coming up this winter, and he knows he needs to be playing regularly to make Germany’s squad. It could be his last chance to play at a major international tournament.
Gundogan started 20 Premier League games last season. Hence, he is “completely open” to what the future may hold.
That may lead him away from Man City, an opportunity Juventus and Barcelona are aware of. No potential price tag is mentioned in the report.
Where should Gundogan go if he leaves Man City?
It is easy to see why City would want a player of Gundogan’s calibre to stay. However, by the same score, his desire to be starting week in, week out is understandable.
If he was to leave, then, would Barcelona or Juventus be his best option?
Ilkay Gundogan to leave Man City this summer
Manchester City will shop Ilkay Gundogan this summer with links to Real Madrid
At either destination, he would still face tough competition. Barcelona’s midfield consists of the likes of Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong (who is a top target for City’s rivals Manchester United).
Juventus have the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Denis Zakaria, while they are working towards the re-signing of Paul Pogba.
Midfield has been an area Juventus have been working to upgrade for years. With that in mind, they could offload the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Weston McKennie and Arthur Melo this summer.
Hence, their need for a new midfielder may be the greatest. Yet if they are focusing primarily on Pogba, Gundogan may want to stick to his original Barcelona idea.
As stated, they have a lot of talent in their midfield, but they could do with more experience. Pedri and Gavi are still teenagers, so adding someone of Gundogan’s level of expertise may benefit – especially if they lose De Jong.
Hence, City could be wary of losing another player to Barca after already seeing Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres make such a move recently.
READ MORE: Man Utd get extra De Jong motivation as Xavi puts Barcelona in mix for ‘huge’ Bernardo Silva deal
