Ilkay Gundogan scored twice in Manchester City’s 6-0 win over Al-Ain in the Club World Cup on Sunday, June 22.
The Cityzens are in good form in the tournament, having scored eight goals in their two matches so far and conceding none.
Gundogan’s form is crucial in this context, as the 34-year-old German midfielder is in his last year of his contract with Manchester City.
Manchester City have made a couple of signings to reinforce their midfield and hence, Gundogan’s position in their squad still remains somewhat uncertain.
Ilkay Gundogan Endured A Tough 2024/25 Season
Gundogan has not been in the best form since coming back to Manchester City from Barcelona.
Last season, he scored only three goals in 51 matches for the Cityzens. That is not befitting for a player who has played in more than 350 matches for Manchester City and scored 63 goals.
He was able to make more than 50 appearances last season only because Rodri missed a large chunk of it owing to an injury.
Gundogan has won five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title for the Man City.
However, with Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders coming into the squad, the scope for him in it has shrunk considerably.
Another veteran midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, has also left the club.
With people like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Omar Marmoush already there as midfield options for the Cityzens, Gundogan will find it really hard to make it to the playing XI as a central midfielder.
With Rodri coming back from an injury and a new signing like Nico Gonzalez already there, the chances of Gundogan playing as a No. 6 also remain quite slim.
As a result, one can envisage him being used as a substitute, mostly in case he decides to stay with Manchester City.
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Is Gundogan Past His Prime?
The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona midfielder is approaching 35 and is clearly past his prime.
However, as he showed against Al Ain, he can still be a handful against weaker sides. Therefore, he could be seen as an option to have against the lesser teams in the Premier League.
Gundogan has been linked with Galatasaray of late, but as his contract has only a year left, it remains to be seen whether the Cityzens decide to renew it.
If Galatasaray are genuinely interested, then City can earn some money by selling the German midfielder.
As of now, Guardiola is also reportedly interested in letting Gundogan leave for Galatasaray.
The German will be fondly remembered by the City supporters for his contribution to the club.
However, if he continues to come up with inspiring performances at the Club World Cup, his Spanish manager might be forced to rethink his position.
Even if he stays at the club in the upcoming season, it will by all means be his last one in England.
His ability to score important goals and his runs into the opposition penalty box are something that has forged his identity as a footballer for top clubs.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 22.06.2025