Galatasaray eager to add the midfielder’s experience and leadership to their squad; Gundogan has hinted he wants to stay at Manchester City
Galatasaray are exploring a move for experienced Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan but it will be up to the player whether he leaves the Etihad or not this summer.
The Turkish champions are said to be closely monitoring Gundogan’s situation, particularly with playing time at City expected to dry up for him. City have spent nearly €100m this summer to bring in Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. That is in addition to the signing of Nico Gonzalez for €60m in the winter transfer window. Midfielder Rodri has also returned from a lengthy absence and will go back to featuring prominently in Guardiola’s side next season.
Galatasaray showed interest for Gundogan in the winter window, but City were unwilling to let the 34-year-old go mid-season given the lack of bodies in midfield. Now, with City featuring a bloated squad, Gundogan’s role is set to shrink, which might make a move to Galatasaray attractive. The midfielder also has Turkish roots, as his parents were born there.
Although his contract was recently extended by a year, if Gundogan wants to leave, it is understood that City would okay a move and make it as easy as possible out of respect for his service.
Gundogan, however, has hinted that he is happy and wants to remain at the Etihad. Although he will turn 35 in October, he believes his age shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.
“There seems to be a trend at the moment in football where people are saying ‘This player is too old’ or ‘Another one cannot run any more’, but we always have had this in football,” said Gundogan
“You need experienced players on the pitch. I know that when I was 18 or 19 I was looking up to those experienced players. Just by watching what they did and how they did it, I learned.
“It wasn’t always necessary for them to say anything. All young players need some experience around them. Sometimes you don’t have to work harder but work smarter.”
