Report: Manchester City Plans to Offload Summer Signing to Revitalize Squad
Manchester City are poised to take decisive action regarding a player they have recently acquired, planning to let him go next summer.
The reigning champions have faced a challenging season so far, having lost Rodri to an ACL injury back in September and struggling to fill the void left by the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Pep Guardiola recently experienced a winless streak of seven matches across all competitions—the longest of his managerial career.
January is anticipated to be busy for Manchester City, as they look to strengthen their squad for a trophy challenge—but one key departure could attract as much attention as any new signing.
Manchester City considering sale of recent signing
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Recently, City has faced considerable scrutiny, with an aging squad attributed to their current slump.
Many of Guardiola’s pivotal players are now over the age of 30, including Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Kevin De Bruyne. Club captain Kyle Walker, now 34, has sparked discussions about whether his time at the elite level might be nearing its end.
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Ilkay Gundogan, another 34-year-old who has faced criticism, was Guardiola’s first signing back in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, and played a crucial role in the club’s success before making his move to Barcelona in 2023, after winning the Treble.
Ranked no.8 in eScored’s list of the best central midfielders in the world, Gundogan returned over the summer on a free transfer. Now, InterLive reports that Guardiola aims to initiate a “technical revolution” and intends to move the midfielder along for a second time.
Inter Milan is rumored to show interest in Gundogan, who has yet to regain the form he displayed during his first stint at the Etihad Stadium, as they seek to capitalize on another free transfer after successfully acquiring players like Hakan Calhanoglu, Stefan de Vrij, Marcus Thuram, Piotr Zielinski, and Mehdi Taremi in recent years.
According to eScored, Gundogan still has much to offer, potentially at the highest level as well. However, given City’s current struggles, he currently lacks the physical presence needed to perform effectively as a No.6.
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The prospect of City selling Gundogan is not particularly surprising—nor is Inter’s interest. A move to Turkey might also be enticing for him, given his heritage.
The midfielder is valued at €12 million, according to Transfermarkt. City will be facing Crystal Palace this weekend as Premier League action returns.
