‘This should be a no brainer’, ‘He’s earned it’ – Man City fans react to club’s stance on Ilkay Gundogan contract situation

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club is reluctant to hand Ilkay Gundogan the two-year contract extension that he wants.

Gundogan, who was Guardiola’s first ever signing at the Etihad Stadium, is out of contract in East Manchester at the end of the current campaign.

The 32 year-old has been strongly linked with a possible move to Barcelona next season, and is currently able to sign a pre-contract agreement with the Catalan club.

The German international is in his twilight years now but remains a key player for Pep Guardiola. And he has also been the captain of the club this season.

Pep Guardiola was asked recently to offer an update over any possible contract talks, but the manager couldn’t offer any encouragement to fans hoping for the midfielder to stay.

According to Simon Mullock of The Mirror as reported by City Xtra, there is a reluctance at #ManCity to hand Ilkay Gundogan the two-year contract extension that he wants.

It will be interesting to see if the German decides to pursue a new challenge at the end of the season amid interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

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

@that_nihilist: “That’s sad, I would have liked to see him play with us for a few more years and even join our coaching staff after his retirement.”

@man_omp: “He deserves a 2 year extension and to be fair that would see him through till he’s 34. He would still be able to do a job at another club after that if he wanted to. Respect our captain..”

@JackMCI_: “Give him what ever he wants.”

@SamBuchanan1: “Stop messing around and give it to him. He has proven to be worth it!!”

@kushveersingh14: “I don’t see why there should be a reluctance? Gundo has been on song for us this season. In the 2nd year of his extension he can transition out slowly with his replacement getting that game time. This should be a no brainer”

@carrielynnxox: “He deserves it after he saved us the final game of last season!.”

@ronanpatlee: “Why? He’s earned it, if Bernardo is going it’s daft to lose him in the same window..”

@formulagrealish: “give him the extension right now. we would be stupid to turn our back on someone like him”

@fazzyosman1: This is a mistake. He isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. We need to give him this contract. He’s a legend and will one day be a great manager too..”

@mcfcryan17: Honestly we should let him go and bring in a couple new midfielders. Would be great for both parties because I can’t see him starting over Jude.”

@MarkIHarrison: “With the fear of losing Bernardo seemingly ever single window, locking up Gundogan should be a priority for Man City. Playing midfield for Pep Guardiola is one of the hardest things in football to do. Having two newbies in the same window would create chaos we do not need..”

@StevenMcinerney: “Personally can’t imagine a scenario where Gundo isn’t still useful to have around the squad in 18 months time, even as just a backup. Don’t really see a problem with two years in this instance. Sure they’ll reach some sort of compromise though. I’d keep him even if we sign two midfielders. Bernardo will likely go, so there would be space. We tend leave ourselves short so much. Just have a deeper, more experienced squad for once.”