As of now, there have been no indications that Gundogan’s contract would be extended. Bayern Munich and, more lately, Barcelona have been heavily touted as potential bidders for the Germany international. Despite questions over his future, Gundogan is still City’s captain and a regular starter for Guardiola, who was unable to hide his adoration for the 32-year-old.
Despite being in the final six months of his contract and showing no signs of a renewal thus far, Gundogan’s two goals against Aston Villa on the penultimate day of the season last year helped City rally to win the Premier League title. In recent games, the German has performed admirably, scoring against Aston Villa and contributing a critical assist to the victory at Arsenal.
Guardiola was requested to provide an update on any potential contract negotiations due to the midfielder’s crucial role in City’s recent ascent back to the top of the Premier League, but the manager was unable to provide any consolation to supporters wishing for the midfielder to stay.
“I think I know my opinion about Ilkay. What Ilkay has done against Aston Villa last season [scoring two late goals to seal the Premier League title] he can do whatever he wants,” Guardiola said. “He has the paradise already. So he knows exactly my opinion about him.”
“The club knows it and it is a question for him and his agent. What is going to happen I’m pretty sure is going to be good for him.”
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Mateu Alemany and his stance on Guardiola and Gundogan
“Really we want how he is behaving, how he has behaved all his life in Manchester but what is going to happen? This kind of things belongs to the club and the player.” Guardiola said.
Gundogan’s agency meeting with Blaugrana director Jordi Cruyff recently increased links to Barcelona. Director of football Mateu Alemany has acknowledged the genuine purposes of the meeting were much less dramatic. Guardiola is not concerned about Gundogan’s situation.
“My obligation is to know that Gundogan is free, and we have met with his uncle, who is also [Andreas] Christensen’s agent,” Alemany told Sport.
“We talked about Christensen, his performance and how happy we are with the player. He has been a very good signing, but there was nothing else.”
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