One of Manchester City’s senior players looks set to remain at the club for next season

All of Manchester City’s senior players can not leave in one hit.

What Manchester City can not do this summer is jettison all of their senior players in one fell swoop. That would create a leadership void in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Yes, the time is now for some of City’s heroes to leave. But it can not be all of them at once as that would create a separate issue in itself.

In the case of Ilkay Gundogan, he could have an important role to play for Manchester City both on and off the pitch next season. Off the pitch, Gundogan has all of the makings of a coach and potentiallya manager. He can help Manchester City’s new signings and young players adjust to life in a Pep Guardiola team. That is a valuable asset for Guardiola to have at his disposal amongst his playing squad.

Ilkay Gundogan showed during Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Fulham on the final day of the 24/25 season that he can still be an important contributor on the pitch. He scored City’s opening goal in the first half with a spectacular bicycle kick. Gundogan also earned the penalty in the second half that Erling Haaland converted to put the game to bed. So Gundogan does still have life in his legs to play for Manchester City. But he can’t play 50 games like he did during the 24/25 season. That is too heavy a burden to place on a 34-year-old midfielder. But as a squad player, there is a role for him in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season.

The future of a host of Manchester City’s senior players will become clear as the summer unfolds. But in the case of Ilkay Gundogan, he appears determined to remain at Manchester City for next season. That would be a good move for Pep Guardiola’s side. Now, it remains to be seen if that is what comes to fruition this summer.