Ilkay Gundogan says now is not the time to discuss his long-term future at Manchester City as the new season looms large.
Gundogan — who became Pep Guardiola's first signing as City manager when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 — has less than a year remaining on his contract, with his current deal set to expire in June 2023. Despite that, the 31-year-old is remaining tight-lipped on his future, insisting — like Guardiola — that now is the time to focus solely on on-field matters.
"We will see. Right now it's really just about focusing on the new season..." Gundogan replied in a Twitter Q&A when asked if he might extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
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After enduring an injury-hit start to life in Manchester, the German midfielder played a pivotal role in each of City's past two Premier League title triumphs. In 2020/21 he benefited from City's lack of a orthodox striker by making late runs into the penalty area, finishing the season as the Blues' top league scored with 13 goals.
Last season he didn't get on the score sheet as much, but he did score the goal that ultimately won the title for City. After coming off the bench on the final day of the season Gundogan scored a brace that saw City defeat Aston Villa 3-2 having been 0-2 down.
After handing Riyad Mahrez a new two-year contract last month City are reportedly close to tying Phil Foden to new terms. Rodri is believed to be the next contract priority, so it remains to be seen whether Gundogan will be offered the chance to extend his time in sky blue.
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