Guardiola explains why Gundogan stays and De Bruyne could join Messi at Inter Miami

Robin Bairner

• 14 Apr 2025 10:10 BST
• 3 min read

News

Manchester City triggered the one-year extension in Ilkay Gundogan’s contract on Sunday, to bring a positive end to a difficult week.

Pep Guardiola’s side had previously revealed that Kevin De Bruyne will depart the club as a free agent in the summer, with the Belgian’s influence evident as City stormed back from behind to overcome Crystal Palace 5-2 in a vital Premier League match on Saturday.

Compared

Kevin De Bruyne

M, AM (C)

Man City

Kevin De Bruyne

M, AM (C)

Man City

VS

İlkay Gündoğan

M, DM (C)

Man City

İlkay Gündoğan

M, DM (C)

Man City

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

37	Appearances	43
2244	Minutes Played	2718
7	Goals	2
10	Assists	4
72	Key Passes	50
31	Tackles	28
11	Interceptions	19

De Bruyne’s impact in that clash has led to some fans pondering why the veteran playmaker is departing but Gundogan, who is 34 years old, will remain at the Etihad Stadium.

After all, the former Chelsea and Wolfsburg man has a team-leading seven assists and three goals for the Premier League campaign.

Guardiola has already explained Man City’s reasoning behind the thinking.

“The most important thing is, from my point of view, I said to the club: 'Which players are reliable for the future.' You cannot perform if you're not reliable, injured. This is which players we have, that they can play every three days, three days, three days or cannot. Then, build a squad for next season...” he said.

While De Bruyne has battled for fitness this season, managing only 14 Premier League starts, Gundogan continues to be reliable. The Germany international posts the seventh-highest number of minutes across all competitions in the Man City squad.

Beyond this, City were obliged to hand Gundogan an extension after he reached a pre-prescribed number of appearances this season.

De Bruyne in Inter Miami links

Where De Bruyne will play next season is not yet clear, but there is the possibility of moving to Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi.

“Understand Inter Miami are very interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer after this season,” Florian Plettenburg reports on X.

“Talks are not thought to be at an advanced stage.

“Clubs from Saudi Arabia are also dreaming of his signature.”

In the meantime, both De Bruyne and Gundogan are both focused on ensuring Man City qualify for next season’s Champions League.