Manchester City may yet see another of their modern legends depart in the final days of the summer transfer window, with Ilkay Gündogan once again at the centre of swirling speculation. Despite Pep Guardiola’s public stance that he wishes to keep his trusted lieutenant, reports continue to suggest that the 34-year-old could be lured away before the window slams shut. Juventus have now emerged as serious contenders to prise the midfielder away from the Etihad Stadium, joining Galatasaray in the race for his signature.
For many City fans, the idea of losing Gündogan — the man who has so often delivered on the biggest stages — is unthinkable. Yet as Guardiola reshapes his squad for the future, difficult decisions are being made. The German international, whose contract situation and playing time have been constant talking points over the past year, now finds himself at a crossroads
The rumours have been fuelled in recent weeks by comments from Mick Brown, the former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout. A respected figure within English football, Brown has long been plugged into the transfer market and player recruitment circles. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he described Gündogan as “one to watch” in the final days of the window.
“There’s been a lot of talk about his future and it’s not going away,” Brown explained. “Usually when speculation like this refuses to die down, it’s because there’s something in it. I don’t think you can rule out him leaving Manchester City.”
Brown added that while Gündogan’s influence in the dressing room remains positive, City’s summer overhaul means the hierarchy may no longer consider him untouchable. “They’re making massive changes at City this summer. A number of players have been moved on already, and I don’t think they’d stand in his way.”
Those remarks have resonated because they highlight the delicate balancing act Guardiola faces: retaining experienced leaders while also refreshing a squad that has already won everything
If this is to be the end of Ilkay Gündogan’s time at Manchester City, his legacy is secure. Signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 as Guardiola’s first major acquisition, he has gone on to become one of the most influential midfielders in the club’s history.
Over the years, Gündogan has been both a metronome and a match-winner. His intelligence in possession, positional discipline, and ability to knit together Guardiola’s intricate system have been invaluable. But it is his knack for decisive contributions in crucial moments that has truly endeared him to the City faithful.
May 2022, Premier League finale vs Aston Villa: City trailed 2-0 on the final day, needing a comeback to secure the title. Gündogan came off the bench to score twice, inspiring a dramatic 3-2 win that sealed the championshi
At his peak, Gündogan was the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield, seamlessly rotating between deeper roles and advanced runs into the box. Even as he has aged, his technical quality and calmness under pressure remain unmatched. For fans, letting him go would be akin to losing a piece of the club’s soul — not unlike the departures of Yaya Touré, David Silva, or Fernandinho in previous eras.
And yet, football evolves. Pep Guardiola has never been afraid to refresh his squad, even at the expense of beloved figures. This summer has already seen significant churn at the Etihad. Several established names have moved on, as City look to blend younger talents with their experienced core.
The rationale is clear: Guardiola wants to avoid stagnation. City’s domestic dominance and European triumphs have come on the back of continuous evolution. Each cycle of the team has had its architects — Silva and Touré in the early years, then De Bruyne, Sterling, and Agüero, later followed by Haaland, Foden, and Rodri.
The question Guardiola faces now is whether Gündogan still fits into the next iteration. At 34, concerns about his ability to play regularly across a gruelling season are valid. City are “well-stocked” in his position, with Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, and younger midfielders all vying for minutes. Guardiola may want to keep him for his experience, but the club’s decision-makers could see value in cashing in while there is interest from abroad.
For Juventus, Gündogan would represent the perfect short-term fix. The Bianconeri have been in transition since their Serie A dominance faded. They crave both leadership and technical quality in midfield, and Gündogan ticks both boxes. His experience in Champions League football, ability to control tempo, and calmness in possession would provide exactly what Juve need as they attempt to rebuild credibility in Italy and Europe.
Galatasaray’s interest is of a different flavour. Turkish clubs have a long history of attracting high-profile stars in the twilight of their careers, and Gündogan’s heritage — his family roots trace back to Turkey — make this a particularly appealing narrative. For Gala, signing him would be as much about prestige and inspiration as it would be about tactical reinforcement. Either destination would give Gündogan a fresh chapter, though the challenges and motivations would differ greatly. A fascinating aspect of this saga is the discussion about Gündogan’s influence in the dressing room.
Mick Brown emphasised that he remains “a positive influence,” but hinted that sometimes even such figures can be moved on if the club decides to pivot. Guardiola has always valued strong voices in the squad, but he also believes in maintaining a healthy balance between experience and new energy
Too many senior players, particularly those with reduced playing time, can create friction. Gündogan is by no means disruptive, but his situation reflects the fine margins elite clubs must navigate: keep a veteran leader for stability, or move him on to ensure space for the next generation.
The timing of this speculation is also significant. Transfer windows often produce their most dramatic moves in the final days. Clubs reassess their needs, opportunities arise, and players suddenly become available.
For City, the closing days are about trimming the squad. For Juventus and Galatasaray, it is about capitalising on any chance to land a proven winner. Should Gündogan feel his playing time will be severely restricted, he may see value in a move at this stage of his career. If Gündogan departs, he would follow a well-trodden path. City have managed transitions before
Each departure was bittersweet but ultimately allowed Guardiola to refresh his squad. Gündogan’s exit would fit into this broader pattern of evolution.
Adding to the intrigue is speculation about Nathan Ake’s future. Reports suggest Everton are interested in signing the versatile Dutch defender, with City prepared to consider significant offers. While separate from Gündogan’s situation, it underlines the sense that Guardiola is not done reshaping his squad.
Losing Gündogan would undoubtedly leave a gap. His leadership in pressure moments cannot be easily replaced. Even if his minutes are reduced, his presence in the dressing room and on the training pitch is invaluable.
On the pitch, however, City do have options. Rodri remains the cornerstone of their midfield. Foden, Kovacic, and Wirtz provide creativity and dynamism. Younger players are pushing through. Guardiola may believe the team is ready to evolve without Gündogan’s constant presence.
For Gündogan, a move would present one final challenge. Juventus would offer a chance to compete in another major European league. Galatasaray would provide an emotional homecoming of sorts, alongside the adoration of a passionate fanbase.
Alternatively, staying at City would allow him to finish his career at the club where he has achieved so much, perhaps transitioning into a reduced but still important role.
The decision may ultimately hinge on his personal ambitions: does he want to play regularly, or is he content to contribute sporadically while adding to his City legacy?
Fans are divided. Many argue that his leadership is irreplaceable and that City should hold on to him at all costs. Others, more pragmatic, believe the club must continue to evolve and that sentiment should not dictate squad decisions.
Media pundits echo these debates, with some emphasising his importance in high-pressure games, while others stress Guardiola’s history of knowing the right moment to refresh his team.
As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Ilkay Gündogan’s future hangs in the balance. Will he remain at Manchester City, continuing to serve as Guardiola’s trusted lieutenant? Or will he accept a new challenge, whether in Turin or Istanbul, and close the book on a glittering chapter at
