50/50 chance of Manchester City exit for star midfielder in the final week of the summer | OneFootball

Manchester City could yet bid farewell to one of their greatest-ever midfielders, with the idea of a move back to the Bundesliga or a switch to Serie A said to be a possibility.

The future of Ilkay Gundogan has been one of the closer-watched stories of City’s fast-moving transfer window, despite the German international only seeing his contract automatically extend by one year earlier this summer.

At 34, Gundogan remains a central figure in the dressing room in particular, but the club’s investment in fresh midfield options such as Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez this year has cast uncertainty on how long his influence at the Etihad Stadium will continue.

This is not the first time Gundogan has been linked with a late summer departure. Reports from Sky Germany earlier in August suggested he was “one to watch” before the deadline, with interest coming from multiple clubs across Europe and beyond.

Fabrizio Romano also recently revealed that sides in MLS, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Europe were exploring the possibility of making a move for the treble-winning captain. Galatasaray in particular have been repeatedly linked with the midfielder, with Turkish media suggesting a triple swoop for Gundogan, Ederson, and Manuel Akanji.

However, the latest updates indicate that the Turkish champions may not be at the front of the queue this time. Instead, focus has shifted towards a return to Ilkay Gundogan’s former league or a new adventure in Italy.

That is according to new information from BILD’s Christian Falk, who claims that Ilkay Gündogan can now imagine a transfer away from Manchester City this summer and over to the Bundesliga.

For the time being, it is explained that the German’s chances of leaving the Etihad Stadium are 50/50, while Serie A is also said to be a possibility in addition to the idea of a return to his former league.

However, despite reports in various quarters, Galatasaray is reportedly ‘not a hot topic’ at the moment.

For Gundogan, the decision could come down to whether he wants to continue playing at the highest European level or take on a new challenge in a different league.

A return to the Bundesliga would offer familiarity and the chance to finish his career in his home country, while Serie A presents a fresh challenge in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues – a route taken by Kevin De Bruyne upon the expiry of his City contract in June.

From Manchester City’s perspective, losing Gundogan in the final week of the window would accelerate their transition toward a younger midfield core. Players such as Reijnders, Gonzalez, Phil Foden, and Rico Lewis are all being prepared for greater responsibilities, but Gundogan’s departure would undoubtedly strip the squad of invaluable experience and leadership.

With the clock ticking towards deadline day, Manchester City supporters now face an anxious wait to see whether one of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders will stay for one final season, or close the chapter on his decorated Etihad Stadium career with a late switch abroad.