Manchester City have confirmed Ilkay Gundogan has penned a new four-year deal running until the summer of 2023.
Gundogan’s previous deal was due to expire next summer and there were serious doubts whether he would renew midway through last season.
There was a point where it seemed Gundogan had decided not to extend his stay at the Etihad after struggling for regular playing time.
City were prepared to let Gundogan run down his contract due to the relatively cheap fee he cost the club but a breakthrough has now been made.
Gundogan developed into one of City’s best players in the backend of last season and has now pledged the best remaining years of his career to the club.
“I am very happy to have signed the new contract,” he told the club’s official website.
“I have hugely enjoyed the last three years here at City and everyone at the club has helped make me feel at home from my very first day.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this team, playing the style of football we do and winning trophies. It’s very difficult to do that and I’m delighted to be a part of it/
“I’m really excited about what we can go on to achieve in the next few seasons.”
News that Gundogan has signed a new contract with City comes as a huge boost to Guardiola, particularly after the club-record arrival of Rodri earlier in the summer.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder will provide direction competition for places with Gundogan and is expected to start ahead of the German.
The 28-year-old made 23 starts in the Premier League last season, his best return in a single league campaign since 2012/13 (26 starts).
Furthermore, Gundogan finished last season with his best ever goal return in a top-flight league season (six goals).
