Manchester City supporters were eagerly excited to welcome back Ilkay Gundogan to the Etihad Stadium. The 34-year-old midfielder rejoined Man City this summer after signing a one-year deal, following a successful spell at Barcelona. The midfielder has hinted he might not hang up his boots just yet, but the question remains—where will his journey take him next after this second stint with City?
Gundogan first signed with Manchester City in 2016, where he made 300 appearances and helping the club secure five Premier League titles. During the 2023/24 season, the German international featured in 51 games, contributing 5 goals and 14 assists. However, since his return, Ilkay Gundogan has found limited playing time, starting in only one match and being mostly used as a substitute. As a player of his calibre, he will be hoping to reclaim a regular starting spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad. It’s clear that he wouldn’t have returned to a team like Manchester City unless he still saw himself as a top-level player.
Ilkay Gundogan’s possibility of a move to Galatasaray
Now Gundogan has not ruled out the possibility of signing for his boyhood club, Galatasaray. With his parents born in Turkey and Gundogan himself born in Germany, there’s a deep-rooted connection. Despite his career journey taking him through clubs like Bochum, Borussia Dortmund, Nuremberg, and briefly Schalke, the 24-time Turkish champions hold a special place in his heart. Coming from a family of Galatasaray supporters, a move to the Turkish giants would have sentimental value for the 34-year-old midfielder.
As for the current situation, Gundogan faces stiff competition in Manchester City’s central midfield. Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, and Rico Lewis can all play in central midfield. The former Barcelona maestro would have been aware of how much competition there is in his position at the Etihad Stadium. As for the future, only time will tell what lies ahead for the talented midfielder.
