What next for Ilkay Gundogan? Pep Guardiola reveals midfielder has triggered new Man City contract - but no guarantees he will stay

Gundogan left City for Barcelona in 2023 but returned just one year later as the Catalan side struggled with their financial mess. Upon his return last summer the former Germany international was handed a one-year contract, and Guardiola has revealed that that included an option to extend until the summer of 2026 which has now been triggered due to the number of appearances he has made.

Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “He has one more year contract, definitely. What’s going to happen (in the summer), I don’t know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today (vs Crystal Palace) is the Gundo I remember, when we won the treble and quadruple and an important player.

“So his activity, his pace, and his defensive intelligence arrived. Gundo has been with us massively. And as a team, we could not help him, because it’s not about you, you, you. Everyone was down, was below, because the team was not playing good. When the team plays good, the individuals rise. Without that, in modern football, you can not do it.”

Despite his extension with City, Gundogan could still end up leaving the eight-time Premier League champions this summer. However, it is possible that Guardiola will be keen on keeping the former club captain at the Etihad Stadium, especially as the Citizens are currently in a transitional period with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave and other veterans likely to depart as well.

After a difficult start to life following his return to City, Gundogan has slowly improved his form and has started the last five games for the defending Premier League champions. As such, he will likely play a crucial role until the end of the season as Guardiola's side look to secure Champions League football for next season, and also hope to win the FA Cup.