Manchester City fans were still trying to deal with the big news that Kevin De Bruyne was leaving the club when another update came from Pep Guardiola. Just a few days after De Bruyne announced he would be moving on after 10 years at the club, Guardiola confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan’s contract had been extended. It was a surprising twist, especially because Gundogan wasn’t expected to stay for long during his second spell at the club. But due to the number of games he played this season, an automatic extension was triggered, and now he is set to stay with City for one more year.
De Bruyne shared his decision on Friday, April 4, when he posted on social media that he would be leaving City once his contract runs out in the summer. After a decade full of trophies and unforgettable performances, he feels it’s time to take on a new challenge. Many people believe he could move to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer in the United States. Even though he’s now 33, De Bruyne showed he still has the quality when he put in a world-class performance during City’s 5-2 win against Crystal Palace, where he played a key role in the comeback victory.
De Bruyne is not the only senior player at City whose time at the club may be coming to an end. A number of experienced players are reaching the final years of their contracts, and the club is already thinking ahead. During the January transfer window, City signed four young players, which clearly shows they are preparing for a rebuild. The aim is to refresh the team while still competing at the highest level. But while De Bruyne is heading out, Gundogan is staying for now.
Gundogan had previously left City and joined Barcelona, where he spent one season. However, his time in Spain ended earlier than planned. His contract was terminated by mutual agreement, and he returned to Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer. At that time, the club gave him a one-year deal. He wasn’t expected to play a major role, as he was seen more as an experienced backup player who could provide leadership in the dressing room. But things didn’t go as expected.
This season, Manchester City has faced a lot of injuries, especially to key players. That meant Gundogan had to play more often than anyone thought. He ended up making 43 appearances and spent over 2700 minutes on the pitch. Only Josko Gvardiol played more minutes than Gundogan. Because of the terms in his contract, once he reached a certain number of appearances, the deal was automatically extended by another year.
Pep Guardiola confirmed this in a press conference. He said Gundogan now has a contract that runs for one more year, at least until the summer of 2026. Guardiola also praised Gundogan for the way he played in recent games, especially against Leicester, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace. He said Gundogan reminded him of the player who was so important during City’s treble-winning season and the time when they even had a chance to win a quadruple. Guardiola talked about how Gundogan’s pace, intelligence, and energy were back to his best in recent matches. He also explained that the team had not been playing well for parts of the season, which made it hard for individuals like Gundogan to shine. But now that the team is performing better, players like Gundogan are standing out again.
Gundogan has been a key part of City’s success since he first joined the club from Borussia Dortmund. He was Guardiola’s first signing at City and has delivered many big performances over the years. His goals, control of the midfield, and leadership have helped City win Premier League titles, domestic cups, and even the Champions League. He was captain when City won the treble, which included the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, all in one season.
But even though his contract has been extended, Gundogan could still leave the club this summer. There are reports that Turkish side Galatasaray is very interested in signing him. If they want to buy him now, they would have to pay a transfer fee, because his new deal means he is no longer available for free. Some fans feel it might be a good time for him to move on, as they’ve noticed that Gundogan doesn’t look as sharp as he used to. At 34, it’s natural that he might not be as quick as before. Gundogan himself admitted that returning to the Premier League after a year away was tough. He said the difference in speed and physicality was “unbelievable” and took some time to get used to again.
Guardiola also spoke honestly about Gundogan’s physical condition. He said the midfielder can’t run long distances anymore, like 40 meters at full speed. But even with that, Guardiola still trusts him because of his intelligence and experience. Gundogan knows when to pass, when to press, and how to control the tempo of a match. These are qualities that are very important, especially in tight games.
The story of Gundogan and De Bruyne in the same week shows how quickly things can change in football. One star is leaving after giving everything to the club for ten years, and another veteran is staying for one more season, even though he was not expected to play a big role. Manchester City now has a mix of experienced players and younger talents who are coming into the squad. It’s a time of transition, but the club is handling it carefully to make sure they stay strong in all competitions.
De Bruyne’s departure will leave a big hole in the team. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world and was the heartbeat of City’s attack. His vision, passing, and shooting made him a threat from any position on the pitch. Replacing someone like him will not be easy, but City has always been good at planning ahead. There are rumours that the club already has a few players in mind to take over his role. Some reports say Guardiola has already found a possible replacement, which shows that City won’t waste time in filling the gap.
In the meantime, Gundogan’s experience will be valuable as the team moves forward. He can help guide the younger players, share his knowledge, and play important minutes when needed. Even if he doesn’t start every game, his presence in the squad can make a difference. It’s also worth noting that Gundogan has always been a professional. He never complains about game time and always puts the team first. That’s the kind of attitude every manager wants in a veteran player.
As for De Bruyne, fans will continue to show him love and respect no matter where he goes. Whether he ends up in Saudi Arabia or America, he will always be remembered as a Manchester City legend. His performances, his goals, and his trophies will never be forgotten. Some fans still hope that he might return one day, maybe in a coaching role or some other position at the club. But for now, they will prepare to say goodbye and thank him for everything.
Manchester City is in a period of change, but they are handling it with calm and careful planning. By extending Gundogan’s contract and preparing for De Bruyne’s exit, they are making sure the transition goes smoothly. The goal is still the same – to win trophies and stay at the top of English and European football. With Pep Guardiola in charge and a strong squad in place, City fans have every reason to believe their club will keep moving forward.
