Ilkay Gundogan departs Manchester City with legend status secured

Pep Guardiola knew the value of the midfielder and made him his first City signing in the summer of 2016 for a measly £20m from Borussia Dortmund

Tue, 27 Jun, 2023 - 07:35

Will Unwin

Ilkay Gundogan arrived at Manchester City injured and his first season ended before Christmas because of a torn cruciate ligament. It was an inauspicious start for the German but he leaves seven years later as the key component in a historic treble-winning side.

Pep Guardiola knew the value of the midfielder and made him his first City signing in the summer of 2016 for a measly £20m from Borussia Dortmund. Even though he has joined Barcelona for nothing, City know they got a bargain, and Gundogan will forever be grateful for the five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and, most importantly, the final chapter: A Champions League triumph in Istanbul.