Manchester City recently re-signed Ilkay Gundogan over the summer, but are already eyeing his long-term replacement as Pep Guardiola looks to refresh his title-winning squad.
City’s squad is at a crossroads, with some of their core players reaching the latter stages of their careers. Kevin De Bruyne, 33, has drawn interest from MLS, and Guardiola may need to start planning beyond other key players as well. Kyle Walker is now 34, Ederson is 31, and Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva have each reached 30. Gundogan, the oldest of City’s first-team regulars at 34, was Guardiola’s first signing and has been essential to City’s success, but left on a free transfer to Barcelona in 2023, only to return to City this past summer.
Despite his recent return, Gundogan’s age makes him a short-term solution, and Guardiola is reportedly seeking a younger midfielder to bolster City’s future. Italian outlet *Corriere Dello Sport* reports that AC Milan is in talks with Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to extend his contract, amid interest from City and Barcelona. Reijnders, known for his versatility, can play both as a No.6 and a No.8, and is often compared to Gundogan and Toni Kroos for his impact on both ends of the pitch.
Reijnders could be a strong long-term fit for City, especially given Gundogan’s limited appearances since returning and his contract expiring next summer. With City potentially gearing up for a squad overhaul, Reijnders’ €30 million valuation could make him an affordable addition to their midfield.
Aside from Gundogan and De Bruyne, whose contracts also expire next summer, Guardiola may look to refresh other areas. Kyle Walker will be 35 next summer, and Pedro Porro has been linked as a possible replacement at right-back. Meanwhile, Rodri’s recent injury and Kalvin Phillips’ struggles could prompt City to prioritize another defensive midfielder.
In attack, questions linger around the futures of Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva. Grealish and Doku aren’t expected to leave unless a major bid arises, but midfield looks to be City’s primary focus, with possible additions in attack and defense depending on how the season unfolds. City’s next Premier League match is against Bournemouth this weekend.
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