According to reports, Gündogan left Manchester City for Barcelona in 2023 but returned to the Etihad Stadium just a year later while the Catalan club was struggling financially. After his return last summer, the former German national team midfielder signed a one-year contract, and Guardiola revealed that the deal included a clause extending it until the summer of 2026, which has now been activated due to the number of games he has played.

Guardiola stated in a press conference: “He has another year on his contract, definitely. I don’t know what will happen in the summer, but he has another year now. Gündo against Leicester, Gündo against Bournemouth, today’s Gündo (against Crystal Palace) is the same Gündo I remember when we won the treble and quadruple, and he was a crucial player.

His activity, speed, and defensive intelligence have returned. Gündo has been with us extensively. As a team, we couldn’t help him because it’s not about you, him, or anyone else. Everyone was weak, down, because the team wasn’t playing well. When the team plays well, the players rise. Without this quality in modern football, you can’t do anything.”

Despite his contract extension with City, Gündogan could still leave Manchester City again this summer. However, there is a possibility that Guardiola may want to keep his former captain at the Etihad, especially as the Citizens are in a transitional phase with Kevin De Bruyne on the verge of leaving and other experienced players potentially departing.