Reports: Bayern Munich monitoring Manchester City’s Gundogan
If reports from 90Min are to be believed, Bayern Munich are weighing a potential move for Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan next summer.
The German international’s contract, last extended in 2019, is set to expire following the current season. There have been no talks over a new deal, but that’s understandable with the World Cup edging closer. Like many other star players in Europe, Gundogan’s focus is on the megaevent in Qatar.
However, after seven glorious years and 11 trophies collected in Manchester, the 32-year-old could be tempted by a move back home.
He remains one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted allies, having been handed the armband this season following Fernandinho’s departure. Gundogan has amassed over 40 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City in each of the last five seasons, demonstrating his consistency to pull the strings in Guardiola’s orchestra.
He’s also achieved a career record of 17 goals scored across all tournaments, in the 2020-21 term. Keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Manchester City’s first of two Champions League encounters with Borussia Dortmund, he said “I am very happy at Manchester City. I was all the time I’m at the club. It’s football, it’s business, we will see what happens at the end of the season.”
The Bavarians will be interested in adding Gundogan to the long list of players that have donned both the Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich shirt.
Signing Gundogan for free would be a shrewd piece of business for Bayern, as they’d go on to infuse the valuable experience of a player who’s proven successful in two of Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the international stage into their club.
Gundogan’s adaptability to play numerous roles, move into dangerous goal scoring positions and use his strength to great effect would be handy. By no means has he shown any signs of slowing down despite crossing his 30s.
For now, Gundogan’s attention will be on Manchester City’s Saturday lunch-time kick-off against Leicester City, and the World Cup, though until a new deal is reached, talks of his potential departure will continue to swirl.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Steffen Probdorf.