Former Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan may have only signed a one year deal after his free transfer from Barcelona this summer but he can trigger an option to extend that, while eyeing a future coaching role at Manchester City.<\/p>\n
Gundogan plans to be at the Etihad\u00a0for the long haul – with a future coaching role definitely a distinct possibility.<\/p>\n
The German ace, 33, is back at the Etihad after completing a surprise free transfer from Barcelona\u00a012 days ago.<\/p>\n
Gundogan has penned a one-year deal with the Premier League champions while having the option to extend that by another season should he feature in more than 50 per cent of City\u2019s matchday squads during 2024-25.<\/p>\n
Hence, barring serious injury, it is impossible to envisage the midfielder, who skippered City to the Treble before heading to the Nou Camp, will not be in a position to trigger the clause, as that automatic extension, negotiated by Gundogan\u2019s representatives, underlines his commitment to the English champions.<\/p>\n
The ex-Borussia Dortmund man has shown he hopes to remain in the Etihad fold once he hangs up his boots.<\/p>\n
Should he continue playing for the next two years, Gundogan, who retired from international football following the Euros in the summer, will only be 35.<\/p>\n
That would likely be the signal to turn his hand to coaching – with a place on City\u2019s backroom staff the next logical step.<\/p>\n
Guardiola himself is a huge admirer of the returning playmaker\u2019s tactical and technical acumen and is convinced he has the potential to become a top boss.<\/p>\n
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