Man City worry that midfielder could leave for free next summer

Manchester City host Sevilla on Wednesday needing just a point to secure top spot in Group G of the Champions League. 

The Citizens won their opening three matches to put them in a commanding position, and draws against FC Copenhagen and Borussia Dortmund in their last two games have left them on the verge of confirming first place.

City boss Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad for the visit of the La Liga side, having already confirmed that Erling Haaland, who missed their match against Leicester City on Saturday, will not be involved.

It remains to be seen who will start the game at The Etihad, but in the meantime it appears that City are increasingly wary of one of their stars potentially leaving the club for free next summer.

As reported by Football Insider, City fear that Ilkay Gundogan may refuse to sign a contract extension and could leave the club on a free transfer next summer.

The German midfielder’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, and he is yet to agree an extension.

The 32-year-old will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in January, which makes City’s need to agree an extension even more pressing.

Gundogan scored the goal that secured City the Premier League title last term

Gundogan joined City from Dortmund in 2016 for a fee of just £20 million and has since made 269 appearances for the club, scoring 51 goals and providing 34 assists.

The Germany international now captains City too, following the departure of Fernandinho over the summer.

Gundogan was linked with a move away from City during the recent transfer window, but he was eventually persuaded to stay put.

The report claims that the midfielder has several potential suitors including clubs in the Premier League and in Europe.

It is also suggested that City have been in talks with the player of late over a proposed contract extension, however the two parties are yet to reach an agreement.

Last season, Gundogan was the hero for City as his brace against Aston Villa on the final day of the season secured the Premier League title.

The Citizens had found themselves 2-1 down and the title looked to be heading to Liverpool prior to Gundogan’s late double.