City ask Gundogan to start his search for a new club

Manchester City have now made it clear that they will not renew the contract of one of their most important players. Although he still has a year remaining on his current contract, Ilkay Gundogan has been denied the chance to play in a City shirt next season. According to 'The Daily Mail', the club have made their decision on the player.

The centremidfielder has been given total freedom in finding a new club this summer. In the most friendly of manners, the City board have given the ex Dortmund man the whole transfer window to make his decision. Therefore, the player will be able to explore every option that is presented to him in the market.

The German has not fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola. Quite the opposite in fact. This season, he has been a key member of the squad, playing in 37 Premier League matches and starting 20 of them. He is the highest scoring German in English football's history and is also the most decorated with four Premier League titles to his name.

Gundogan was the first signing of the 'Guardiola era' after he arrived at the Etihad in 2016. He reflected a true signing of the Guardiola style of play. A midfielder with class, vision, late runs into the box and a great dribbler of the ball.