Manchester City is on the verge of an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne, one of the key midfielders who has been instrumental in their golden era. However, while De Bruyne’s departure is confirmed, Ilkay Gundogan’s contract has been extended.

A clause in his contract has been activated. Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t know what will happen in the summer, but he now has another year with us.” When Gundogan returned from Barcelona, he signed a one-year contract with an optional one-year extension based on his playing time. So far, he has played 43 matches for City, starting 31, with over 2,700 minutes on the pitch. Only Josko Gvardiol has played more minutes for City this season. Gundogan, once injury-prone in his prime, has become a resilient figure at 35, standing out in a season where many others have been injured.

As City rebuilds, the contract of one of their oldest players has been extended. He has appeared slow and vulnerable in some defeats this season, painting a bitter and slightly melancholic picture. However, Guardiola has recently seen signs of the old Gundogan returning. The German midfielder started his fifth consecutive match in the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace and played until the final whistle.

Guardiola added: “The Gundogan of this match and the games against Bournemouth and Leicester is the Gundogan I remember—the one who helped us win trebles and quadruples, a very important player. His defensive intelligence and positioning are a huge asset. The whole team has been far from ideal form, but when the team plays well, individual performances rise. Without that, nothing can be done.”