Ilkay Gundogan is RELEASED from Manchester City after seven years at the Etihad

Manchester City have released captain Ilkay Gundogan, and are yet to sign a new deal with the player amidst keen interest from Barcelona. 

Gundogan’s name was published amongst a list of players whose contracts have expired, and whilst it may not mean that the midfielder is set to leave the club, it highlights the uncertainty lingering over his future at the Etihad. 

The player shared as recently as Saturday evening that he was yet to make a decision over his playing future after the final whistle blew on Man City’s Champions League final victory in Istanbul. 

The Germany international has been at the club since 2016, and was manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing after the Catalan coach joined the English champions. 

But despite being offered a contract extension to continue playing at the Etihad for the 2023-24 campaign, Gundogan may yet move on, with a move to Barcelona the most likely destination. 

The 32-year-old has been tracked heavily by the LaLiga winners, who are keen to move on from Lionel’s Messi snubbing of a return to the Camp Nou, and immediately sign players from a stronger financial position. 

Barcelona view the player as suitable replacement for outgoing midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is leaving Catalonia after 18 years, and they hope to win Gundogan’s signature as quickly as possible. 

Gundogan may be convinced to leave Guardiola’s side due to the stronger contractual offer made to him by the Spanish outfit, who are reportedly prepared to hand him a three-year contract. 

If this season was his last at the Etihad, the midfielder went out with a bang after winnning the Treble on Saturday

The Catalan club is believed to have required an answer from the midfielder on whether he is set to join their ranks on Tuesday. 

If the end of the season has called time on the City captain’s time in Manchester, he said goodbye in style, finishing the campaign in blistering form. 

Important Premier League goals against Leeds, Everton, and Liverpool were followed by a brace in City’s FA Cup final match-up with crosstown rivals Manchester United.  

Man City have also released youth prospects Terrell Agyemang and Rowan McDonald, and Benjamin Mendy, who currently is due to face a retrial on one count of rape and another of sexual assault, after being cleared of seven charges in January 2023 following his initial trial in 2022.