‘It can’t happen’, ‘Pep wants him to stay’ – Man City fans react as report claims star midfielder could be axed to make way for Jude Bellingham

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club may not offer Germany midfielder İlkay Gündoğan a new contract to make space in the squad for England and Dortmund midfielder Bellingham.

Bellingham has, unsurprisingly, been one of the stars of the World Cup so far. The 19-year-old got England’s campaign off and running with a brilliant header in their win over Iran in their opening game.

And he was the star of the show against Senegal on Sunday. Bellingham set up one goal for Jordan Henderson and he also played an important role in England’s second, driving up the pitch from just outside his own area.

It was an ‘unbelievably good‘ display from the teenager. But it will not have come as a shock to many, with Bellingham achieving so much in his career before he has even turned 20.

Certainly, the likelihood of Borussia Dortmund receiving a bid for Bellingham they simply cannot turn down is increasing with each game.

He is all set to spark a major bidding war in the summer of 2023, with many top clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea vying for his signature from Borussia Dortmund.

According to The Transfer Exchange Show, for Man City to beat the other European giants to Bellingham’s signature, the renewal of Ilkay Gündoğan’s contract could be ignored, opening up funds for the England international.

Gündoğan’s contract is set to expire next summer, after six seasons, 273 appearances, 51 goals and 35 assists with the current Premier League champions.

The 32-year-old was Pep Guardiola’s original signing back in 2016, going on to score many important goals for the Cityzens and, most recently, taking the captain’s armband at the club.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

“Scenes when we don’t offer Ilkay a new contract but also don’t sign Bellingham.”
Credit: @citehxen

“Fake.”
Credit: @emerald67893564

“It can’t happen. Man City can’t treat the captain like that of course. They will continue offering him a contract until he decides to leave. Because he can even contribute to coaching team if he gets too old.”
Credit: @luqman_ofcl

“He wants to stay and Pep wants him to stay”
Credit: @antmarkmcr

“He deserves an extension just make it known that he won’t play every game.”
Credit: @AlexPortelada

“Should renew Gundogan for 2 more years.”
Credit: @IIM9320