Ilkay Gundogan plans to be at Manchester City for the long haul – with a future coaching role a distinct possibility.
The German ace, 33, is back at the Etihad after completing a surprise free transfer from Barcelona 12 days ago.
Gundogan has signed a one-year deal with the English champions but has the option to extend that by another season should he feature in more than 50 per cent of City’s matchday squads during 2024-25.
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Barring serious injury, it is impossible to envisage the midfielder, who skippered City to the Treble before heading to the Nou Camp, will not be in a position to trigger the clause.
(Image: Manchester City)
That automatic extension, negotiated by Gundogan’s representatives, underlines his commitment to the English champions.
And the ex-Borussia Dortmund man hopes to remain in the Etihad fold once he hangs up his boots.
Should he continue playing for the next two years, Gundogan, who retired from international football following the Euros in the summer, will be 35.
That would likely be the signal to turn his hand to coaching – with a place on City’s back-room staff the next logical step.
(Image: Getty Images)
Guardiola is a huge admirer of the returning playmaker’s tactical and technical acumen and is convinced he has the potential to become a top boss.
If he is still at the City helm in June 2025, the Spanish supremo will happily assist that proposed transition from player to coach.
Yet even if Guardiola does not extend his own all-conquering reign beyond this season – when his contract is up – Gundogan’s dream is to stick around considerably longer.
Gundogan became Guardiola’s first City signing in June 2016, with a £20million move from Dortmund, and won 12 trophies in the next seven years, including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League.