‘His departure seems inevitable’ – Man City Fans React as Gundogan future sees fresh twist amid Barcelona interest

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club assume that Ilkay Gundogan will not continue at the Etihad Stadium beyond this season.

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.

But with his contract expiring in the summer, an exit could be on the cards, especially with the player attracted to the idea of joining Barcelona.

According to Sique Rodríguez and Lu Martín speaking to Què T’hi Jugues, those in relevant positions at Man City assume that Gundogan will not continue with the club beyond the expiry of his current contract.

The same report states that the option of signing Ilkay Gundogan ‘continues to please’ La Liga giants Barcelona, and the Manchester City midfielder is a ‘more attractive’ option for the club in the coming months due to the fact that he could arrive on a free transfer.

As for Gundogan’s reported feelings on a potential move to Camp Nou, it is claimed that the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is ‘very excited’ by the prospect of playing under Xavi – one of his idols in the game – at Barcelona.

However, Gundogan is yet to make a firm decision on his future and so, an extension with Manchester City is not entirely off the table at this point.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@AJ_CTID: “Gundo is a leader and still world class. Should keep him at all costs”

@Mcfcsvato: “Makes me sad but sometimes it’s for the best”

@mancity_talk: “His departure seems inevitable”

@sdtrk2022: “Tbh I’m not a fan of Gundo leaving until his replacement is signed and has a year to play with and learn from him. Gundo has an exceptional footballing brain which could help a lot of current and future players.”

@Luke_MCFC: “Would be silly to let him go without a suitable replacement. Kovacic would be ideal. But it’ll probably be Bellingham. Suppose he has more of a goal threat.”

@TGWTS2: “Great player. Incredible servant. City icon. Times change though, need to bring in all three of Bellingham, Kovacic and MacAllister to even make up for Gundo leaving”

@AyaanAh200506: “As long as we sign someone like MacAllister to replace him”

@aforestellis: “I love Gundo but it’s right, all a part of the rebuild”