Gundogan gives Man City contract and future update amid Barcelona rumours

FT Desk

25 Mar 2022 13:48 CDT
5 min read

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has dashed Barcelona’s hopes of signing the Germany star this summer by suggesting that he’ll be more than happy to commit his future to the club.

Article continues under the video

Gundogan made the move to the English giants in 2016 for a fee of around €25 million and has been a vital first team player since then, making over 240 appearances for the club.

However, now 31 years of age and with a contract that is expiring in 2023, Gundogan has been linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, with Barca strongly linked with the Germany international.

Despite confirming that no discussions have taken place over a new contract, Gundogan also dismissed any idea that he may look to leave Man City in the future for more game time.

“I'm very happy at Manchester City, football-wise there isn't a more attractive place at the moment. I can imagine staying there beyond 2023,” said Gundogan in an interview with Kicker.

“There are no concrete talks, but we have a good relationship. I'm still patient. There's no hurry.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ilkay Gündogan (@ilkayguendogan)

’I always try to fit in’

With the emergence of Phil Foden as an attacking midfielder, the signing of Rodri as a defensive midfielder and Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne still going strong, Gundogan has had to settle for time on the bench this season in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

However, the Germany international believes that his ability to play a number of roles in Man City’s midfield is one of his key strengths and seems content with filling in the holes in Guardiola’s team whenever asked.

“I'm not the type of person who makes aggressive demands. I always try to fit in,” said the former Borussia Dortmund star.

“If my coach needs me for a position, I don't say: I can't do it, I feel just as comfortable in another place. Because the coach has an idea.

“Sometimes I wish I knew what my position is, which I play week after week. Because then I also know that I'm delivering top performances week after week.”