End of an era? Man City open to letting club legend Ilkay Gundogan leave again amid overseas interest

Manchester City are open to letting Gundogan leave this summer, with The Guardianreporting that Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray are planning a summer swoop for the former German international.

Despite the one-year extension on Gundogan's City contract being triggered due to the midfielder meeting the criteria of playing a certain number of minutes, he is expected to be on the periphery under head coach Pep Guardiola next season. Indeed, City have been on a spending spree to rebuild the squad after a rather underwhelming 2024-25 season. The Cityzens have already completed the signings of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this summer, having already bought Nico Gonzalez at the end of the winter transfer window earlier this year. With Mateo Kovacic also expected to return to fitness after suffering from an Achilles problem and Rodri completing his recovery from the ACL injury he suffered last September, Gundogan will see a significant reduction in his minutes at the Etihad next season.

Gundogan, who is of Turkish descent as his parents were born in Turkey, is believed to be tempted by the opportunity to play in the Super Lig. Galatasaray are said to be considering a move for the 34-year-old in recent weeks, aiming to build on a highly successful domestic season.

Even though Gundogan has a year on his contract, he will be allowed to leave City for free. A move to Galatasaray is not yet in advanced stages, with Gundogan still featuring for Man City in the ongoing Club World Cup. He will next be seen in action against Al-Ain on Monday, June 23. It is likely that a decision on his future will not be made until after the Club World Cup ends.