Ilkay Gundogan

[Fordyboy46]

Been one of our best value signings ever, and a true professional to boot. Seems a lovely bloke as well. Farewell Gundo and thanks for the fantastic memories

 

[KingGeorge]

Am I the only one excited for a midfield overhaul? Love the players leaving but can’t wait to see what the club has planned. We need plenty of creativity.

I haven't been able to get excited simply because there haven't been many rumors out there of guys that interest us for midfield.

 

[wolviedinho]

I haven't been able to get excited simply because there haven't been many rumors out there of guys that interest us for midfield.

Maybe now Gundo has decided to go?

 

[WallyA]

Sucks to see him leave, he's a legend as far as I'm concerned.

Midfield probably doesn't need anymore than just Kovacic even with Bernie leaving.

KdB, Kovacic, Phil and Alvarez can easily play the 2 midfield spots.

McAtee + Bobb as youth depth and it's completely covered.

 

[PolarBearCub]

Does this signal FDJ to City? Barca have replacement and high wages off the bill with a decent fee also for FDJ?

 

[JewelZee]

Gundo was always leaving at year's end. City knew it. We don't let players run down their contracts and then look to keep them. When Gundo kicked on like that in the business end it may have given City pause thus the 1 year plus an option offer. I believe City were planning on Bellingham as the replacement and so I won't be the least bit surprised if Rice becomes plan B.

Kovacic was an independent move IMO to add veteran depth with Pep believing 3 established 8s was not a viable route going forward whether it was [KDB, Bernardo, Gundo] or [KDB, Bernardo, Bellingham] or [KDB, Bernardo, Rice, which I believe it will be} or [KDB, Foden, Rice, if Bernardo were to also leave, meaning City would move for a RW}. That would leave us with KDB, Rice, Kovacic, and either Bernardo or Foden in the 8s with McAtee as the young apprentice.

Phillips will provide cover for Rodri at the 6 and hopefully have much greater success in doing so in year 2. Perrone as the young apprentice here.

That said I will certainly miss Gundo and wish him continued success as he's become nothing short of a club legend for us!

Just the opinion of someone who follows intently so anyone with any thoughts besides the obligatory "are you Pep, are you Txiki, did they tell you?" I'd love to hear your thoughts on our midfield set up for 23-24.

 

[Bluearmy]

Seems odd to let such a great player go, unless it's what he wants. And to replace a 32yr with a 29yr old for £25m is also a bit odd.

Im not sure Kovacic is a direct replacement and £25 is reasonable value imo

 

[jimharri]

If he does leave, he leaves as only the second captain of a treble winning side. And he leaves as a hero.

Vielen Dank, Ilkay.

 

[lol yank]

Am I the only one excited for a midfield overhaul? Love the players leaving but can’t wait to see what the club has planned. We need plenty of creativity.

I’m quite excited. This is needed imo. I love gundo. The guy is a legend. But bringing in fresh new players is so desperately needed after the mileage this season and simply for motivation purposes. Getting a handful of new mindsets will be good for pep. Can you imagine how hard it is to motivate the same lot of players year in and year out in hopes to achieve the success they’ve already conquered? And it’s not a slight to the players, just think it’s a bit of human nature.

 

[JewelZee]

Sucks to see him leave, he's a legend as far as I'm concerned.

Midfield probably doesn't need anymore than just Kovacic even with Bernie leaving.

KdB, Kovacic, Phil and Alvarez can easily play the 2 midfield spots.

McAtee + Bobb as youth depth and it's completely covered.

I don't see Alvarez there. IMO it will be KDB, Rice, Kovacic, and one of Foden or Bernardo.