Ilkay Gundogan has triggered a contract extension until 2026 but may still leave Manchester City. Pep Guardiola cited his struggle with the Premier League pace since returning from Barcelona. With six players tested at left-back and constant injuries, Guardiola emphasized the need for physically reliable players ahead of City’s summer squad rebuild.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester City are prioritizing squad reliability and fitness, with Pep Guardiola emphasizing the need for players who can endure the physical rigors of the modern game. Ilkay Gundogan, who returned from Barcelona and has now triggered a contract extension until 2026, remains a point of uncertainty despite his contributions this season. Though injury-free himself, Gundogan has struggled to match the Premier League’s evolving pace, leading Guardiola to hint at a possible summer exit, stating, “What is going to happen, I don’t know.”
Gundogan’s standout performances—against Leicester, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace—remind Guardiola of his Treble-winning influence, but overall team form and injuries have impacted his consistency. Meanwhile, left-back remains a concern for City, with six players tested in the role this season. Most recently, attacking midfielder Nico O’Reilly filled in, scoring and assisting versus Palace but exposing defensive gaps early on.
Guardiola reiterated that while creative left-back solutions have worked in the past, the focus now is on durable players who can compete every three days. With key defenders like Nathan Ake and John Stones sidelined for much of the season, City’s transfer strategy will revolve around building a squad with dependable, fit players for the long haul.
