Manchester City are not going to stand in Ilkay Gundogan's way if he wants to join boyhood heroes Galatasaray at the end of the season. Gundogan, 34, returned to City in August on a one-year contract with the option of an additional year.
The German had left City in summer 2023 following seven successful years at the Etihad Stadium - a stint that saw him win the Premier League five times, the Champions League and the FA Cup twice. Gundogan scored 60 goals in 304 matches in his first spell at City before his move to Barcelona was confirmed.
But Gundogan spent just ONE season at Barca, making 51 appearances in the process, before deciding to re-join Pep Guardiola's side until the end of the campaign.
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At the time, it was uncertain how much Gundogan would be used with City stacked in midfield, but Rodri's season-ending Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury has meant he has played more than he might have expected.
In fact, Gundogan has started 17 top-flight games - appeared in 36 across all competitions - and cemented himself as an important member of Guardiola's squad. But with Gundogan's contract - which can be extended for a further 12 months - up this summer, there is uncertainty over whether he may sign a new deal or exit the club instead.
And according to talkSPORT, City are not expected to stop Gundogan from moving to Galatasaray if that is what he wants to do. Therefore, the extension in his contract won't be triggered should he decide to leave.
Regardless, Gundogan has been targeted for a coaching role within the City Football Group when he retires as a player. He is considered as one of the leaders in the City changing room and Guardiola has often praised the midfielder for his work both on and off the pitch.
Delivering an honest assessment of Gundogan after he scored against Slovan Bratislava in October, Guardiola said: "We know he can do it, it’s a strong mentality. The game in Newcastle was not really, really good. Maybe one of the worst I’ve seen with him in the last eight or nine years.
“His position, holding midfielder, is so intelligent and he played a fantastic game today."
