Premier League 2019-20: 5 players Manchester City may need to replace

#4 Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan is no longer indispensible in the current set up

It’s difficult to say that Ilkay Gundogan has not been successful in his time at Manchester City. However, it will not be out of place to suggest the German international has not been a key man since he joined the Cityzens.

His early time at the club following his £25m move from Borussia Dortmund was mainly filled long absences from the first team as a result of injuries. Gundogan has played important roles in the title-winning campaigns but was never as essential as a Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Ederson, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure or Vincent Kompany have been.

With a contract that ends in 2023 and the expected exits of stalwarts like David Silva, it seems that season could be a good time to move the 28-year-old on and make space for players like Claudio Gomes or Aleix Garcia.

Inter Milan were said to have been interested last season but did not make a formal offer. The time has come for the German to move on if the new-look team are to transition properly.