Pep Guardiola: We may have to re-sign midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan for £96m

Pep Guardiola: We may have to re-sign midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan for £96m

 

(Credit: Imago / Getty Images)

Man City may look to offer Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan short-term deals this summer with an eye on a payday of nearly £100million.

 

De Bruyne’s deal at City is expiring this summer and the midfielder could be set to end his decade-long stay at the Etihad, in favour of a move to the MLS this summer, Mick Brown has exclusively told Football Insider.

 

Gundogan is in a similar position, with the German having returned from a year in Barcelona on a short-term deal last summer.

 

In spite of both players looking likely to ultimately leave, their departure date will cause issues for City this summer, as they are set to be one of two English clubs, alongside Chelsea, competing in the revamped Club World Cup (CWC) in the United States.

 

Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Man City has not gone to plan.

Man City look towards $125million Club World Cup winners prize

As reported by The Athletic, the winners of the CWC will receive $125million (£96.5million) in prize money from the tournament.

 

Having suffered a miserable season, City have gone from favourites, to being part of the in-with-a-chance crowd to win the competition.

 

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

 

However, whilst many view the CWC with scepticism, seeing it as little more than a glorified pre-season set of friendlies, the prize pool is nothing to be sneered at as FIFA attempt to turn it into a money-spinning major tournament.

 

With City set to miss out on a big chunk of cash thanks to their underperformance in the Premier League and Champions League, any winnings in the USA will top up their accounts nicely.

 

 

However, the tournament starts on June 15 and ends on July 13. De Bruyne and Gundogan’s deals currently expire mid-way through the tournament, presenting Pep Guardiola with a unique problem to deal with.

 

Man City manager Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola may have to rely on Kevin De Bruyne to work magic for him once again.

Man City avoid overpaying on transfers with short-term De Bruyne deal

As a way to mitigate issues like City’s, both the Premier League and FIFA have agreed to create an extra summer transfer window.

 

This window will run from 1 June before closing on 10 June, allowing clubs to do business in that window, before it re-opens as normal on 16 June.

 

 

The issue for City is, their rivals are going to be well aware of the team’s need to strengthen ahead of the CWC, likely leading to massively inflated transfer fees, especially prior to the tournament, and that’s before agents look to take a similar approach for their player’s contracts.

 

The Sky Blues instead may look to forego any transfer dealings in this window and choose to extend De Bruyne and Gundogan’s deals for a matter of weeks, before allowing them to leave after the tournament, given the lack of preparation time any new arrivals would have to get up to speed with Guardiola’s demands.

 

Whilst not ideal, it will mean that City are able to avoid overpaying on transfer fees, whilst potentially giving their transfer budget a healthy boost going into the summer window, and ideally a more fitting send off for two of the club’s greatest recent stars.

 

 

Pep Guardiola: Re-signing Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan for £96m?

 

Pep Guardiola has built a dynasty at Manchester City, transforming them into one of the most dominant teams in European football. However, even the best teams face transition periods, and recent speculation suggests City might have to consider re-signing two of their former midfield maestros, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, for a staggering £96 million. But would such a move be worth it?

 

De Bruyne and Gündogan’s Legacy at City

 

Both players were instrumental in Guardiola’s success at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, has been the creative heartbeat of City for nearly a decade. His vision, passing, and ability to deliver in crucial moments have been irreplaceable. Despite recent injury struggles, he remains a game-changer whenever he plays.

 

Ilkay Gündogan, on the other hand, was Guardiola’s first signing at City and arguably one of the most underrated midfielders of the modern era. His intelligence, composure, and ability to pop up with decisive goals—especially in the title-winning campaigns of 2021-22 and 2022-23—made him indispensable. His leadership and experience were sorely missed after his departure to Barcelona in 2023.

 

Why Would City Need Them Again?

 

Manchester City, despite their deep squad, have felt the absence of Gündogan’s leadership and ability to dictate the tempo. His knack for scoring crucial goals—especially in tight games—was a major factor in City’s success. While Rodri has continued to be a dominant force, City’s midfield has lacked the same level of control and incisiveness in the final third.

 

De Bruyne’s injuries this season have also exposed City’s reliance on him. While Phil Foden has stepped up admirably and Julian Álvarez has shown flashes of brilliance, neither possesses De Bruyne’s elite playmaking ability. If City were to bring both back, they would be restoring two of the most influential figures in their history.

 

The Financial and Sporting Dilemma

 

Re-signing both players for a combined £96 million would be a significant investment, especially considering their ages—De Bruyne is 32, and Gündogan is 33. City have often prioritized younger talent, signing players with long-term potential rather than re-investing in aging stars.

 

Additionally, Gündogan has settled well at Barcelona and might not be keen on a return, while De Bruyne still has a contract at City, making the idea of “re-signing” him slightly redundant unless he leaves and then returns.

 

However, if City believe that bringing them back will maintain their dominance in Europe, they might consider it. Guardiola has often emphasized the importance of experience, and both players understand his system better than any potential replacements.

 

Conclusion

 

While the idea of City spending £96 million to re-sign De Bruyne and Gündogan seems unlikely, their impact on Guardiola’s success cannot be overstated. If City struggle without them in key moments, the temptation to bring them back could grow. Ultimately, Guardiola and the club must decide whether nostalgia is worth the hefty price or if it’s time to fully embrace the next generation.

 

 

 

Related Posts

 

Source