Pep ‘loves’ £140k-a-week star who could make 2023 exit at Etihad – GiveMeSport

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ‘loves’ Ilkay Gundogan and wants to see the central midfielder pen a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The German has been on the Citizens’ books since 2016, when he completed a £21million switch from Borussia Dortmund, but there are doubts over where his long-term future lies.

What’s the latest news involving Gundogan?

Gundogan is set to enter the final six months of his £140,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year, leaving Manchester City in a precarious position.

In an interview with German media outlet Kicker during the summer, via the Manchester Evening News, the 32-year-old admitted he was unsure as to whether he would be interested in a fresh challenge elsewhere but would not agree to fresh terms before being given assurances over his playing time.

With uncertainty lingering over the 62-cap Germany international’s future, clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.

According to Spanish sources, Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta is eager to lure Gundogan to La Liga for the first time in his career.

The report suggests Bayern Munich could also offer the Gelsenkirchen-born star, who was appointed as Manchester City’s new captain in August, a route back to his homeland.

Read more: Premier League 22/23 Game week 15: Fixtures, predictions, odds, table & everything you need to know

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Gundogan?

Sheth believes Gundogan wants to assess his options before entering negotiations over a new contract at Manchester City.

However, the Sky Sports reporter is in no doubt that Guardiola would like to keep the fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “His contract is up in the summer. He’s publicly said that now’s not the time to talk about a new contract. Maybe he wants to be in a position where he wants to weigh up all of his options.

“He’s 32 years old now, but Pep Guardiola loves him and people forget that Pep’s first signing was Ilkay Gundogan six years ago or so.

“This is his seventh season at the club now, so does he want to stay or does he want a new challenge?”

Which year did Vincent Kompany leave Manchester City?

2015


2017


2019


2021

Should Gundogan be offered a new contract?

Manchester City should make negotiating fresh terms with Gundogan, who has found the back of the net on more than 50 occasions during his time with the club, a priority.

He has been named in Guardiola’s starting line-up on a regular basis this season and is a key reason for the Citizens being crowned the Premier League champions last term.

Gundogan climbed off the bench and grabbed a late brace as Manchester City came from behind to beat Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign and pip Liverpool to top spot.

He has now won silverware 11 times since arriving from Dortmund and there is no doubt that his presence would boost the chances of more trophies heading to the Etihad Stadium in the coming years.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here

News Now – Sport News