Gundogan could have new role to play at City

IF his final-day heroics hadn’t convinced City that Ilkay Gundogan deserved a new contract, his postseason form should help.

- JOE BRAY

The midfielder’s future has been a subject of discussion for months, as he enters the final year of his contract.

The German has expressed a desire to stay, but also a requirement for more regular playing time, with City consistent that talks would take place this summer.

After starting and finishing the brilliant final-day comeback against Aston Villa to hand the Blues the title, Gundogan has since impressed in two international fixtures in the Nations League. And it was his starring role against England this week that hinted Gundogan could help City solve two problems in one.

As much of the post-match attention concentrated on the midfield futures of both England and Germany after standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala, the steadying presence of the City ace has largely been taken for granted.