MY ACCOUNT
Ilkay Gundogan’s late double against Aston Villa helped Manchester City secure their fourth Premier League title in five seasons — but his future could lie away from the Etihad.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of next season and he is starting to attract attention from potential suitors.
Ahead of Germany’s Nations League clash with Italy tonight, we take a look at where he could end up playing if City decide to cash in now to avoid risking losing him for nothing next summer.
Goal threat
Gundogan has morphed into a lethal goalscorer.
Before joining City in 2016, his highest league tally in a single season of senior football was five.
But he netted 13 Premier League goals in 2020-21 and followed up that tally with eight last term, frequently getting himself into dangerous positions.
In 2021-22, only Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo generated more expected goals from open play per 90 minutes in the English top flight than the German’s 0.48.
Threading the needle
Gundogan, 31, is far more than just player who makes late runs into the box.
Per 90 minutes in the league, the Gelsenkirchen native completed a notably high number of through-balls (0.24) and passes into the final third (19.69) last term.
His adventurous distribution resulted in an average of 0.21 expected assists per 90 — yet he still managed to maintain an astonishing 91.17% passing accuracy.
Stay or go?
Given his quality, it seems curious Gundogan would be allowed to walk away from the Etihad.
Before City’s title parade, the 56-cap international suggested he would be more than happy to stay put this summer — but did not shed much light on what may happen this time next year.
He said: “I’m very settled, I’ve been here six years. The appreciation from the club is also big, I wouldn’t be here six years if the club didn’t appreciate me.
“I’m very grateful to play in such a great team. I have one more year, I’m looking forward to next year.
“There’s a lot to achieve next year, a lot of things waiting for us. I’m enjoying my time here and I’m grateful for the club. City are a great club, I’m looking forward to it.”
Having stated how happy he was, Gundogan revealed in a later interview that his lack of game time had been a slight cause for concern.
He added: “We will sit down together in due course and exchange our ideas and plans, then we will see what comes out of it.
“The question is whether and when I want to do something new again.
“I haven’t actually answered this question for myself yet. Football-wise, there is certainly still no better place than Manchester City under Pep Guardiola — and I think that will hardly change in the next few years.
“Of course, I would have liked to play a little longer in one or two important games over the last few months.
“That’s not a secret. I am a player who always wants to play. I also need that for my rhythm, otherwise I often find it difficult.”
Gundogan went as far as to suggest potential destinations he could swap Manchester for.
He said: “Because of my roots, Turkey is naturally interesting. I also like the USA, I’ve been there on vacation several times.
“However, I’m not worried about that at the moment.
“I still have a contract in Manchester until 2023, I’m very happy there, both in sporting and private terms, and I can theoretically imagine ending my career at City.”
Return to Germany
It is clear Gundogan has the quality to continue in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
He still has a few years left at the highest level and a return to Germany could prove tempting.
A number of Bundesliga clubs are reportedly interested, including Bayern Munich, though a second spell at Borussia Dortmund may be hard to resist.
Barca bound?
Should Gundogan prefer a change of pace, the allure of a switch to Spain might be of interest.
Barcelona are reportedly keen on the midfield maestro as Xavi looks to restore the Blaugrana to their former glory.
Under him, Gundogan would work for someone who played in his position and who was also a Guardiola disciple.
And that could be just enough to tempt him to the Camp Nou should Barca come calling.
