At the end of the month, the 32-year-old’s contract with Manchester City will expire after seven years at the Etihad Stadium. He will move to Barcelona on a free transfer.
Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s first acquisition at the club, leaves Manchester City as a legend after leading the Blues to a triple, their first-ever UEFA Champions League victory, and several important Premier League goals.
After joining the team from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the German midfielder made 304 appearances and claimed 14 titles while playing for East Manchester.
The loss of Gundogan, 32, will leave a huge void in the Manchester City team. The manager, Pep Guardiola, has repeatedly expressed his wish for the midfielder to stay at the team longer and considers him an important member of the first team.
After Fernandinho left the team, the midfielder took over as captain. Earlier under Guardiola, David Silva and Vincent Kompany had worn the honour.
At the beginning of each season, the Manchester City team votes to choose the club captain and leadership group; Gundogan was formally chosen in October 2022.
Last year, when Gundogan was appointed club captain, he said: “As someone who wasn’t born and raised here, it is without a doubt a big honor to be the captain of this team and club.”
The next captain will have enormous shoes to fill after leading Manchester City to a triple, but who might don the armband at the Etihad Stadium?
Ruben Dias
The 26 year-old will be a prime candidate to become the new Manchester City skipper, given Dias’ leadership skills which have been displayed both on and off the pitch since his arrival in 2020.
Dias was part of the City leadership group this season and given the recent history at the club of centre-backs holding the armband, the Portuguese defender could be set to replace Gundogan as club captain.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne is one of the most senior members of the Manchester City squad and given his vast experience and role as vice-captain during the campaign, the Belgian is another prime candidate to become the new club captain.
The 31 year-old has been with the Blues since 2015, making over 350 appearances and scoring 96 goals.
Kyle Walker
Despite growing uncertainty surrounding his future amid interest from Bayern Munich, should Walker remain at the Etihad Stadium next season than the Englishman will undoubtedly be another candidate to become club captain.
Rodri
The Spaniard is an integral member of Guardiola’s squad and after scoring a series of monumental goals, including the winner in the Champions League Final, Rodri is another potential captaincy candidate.
Rodri featured in 56 games for Manchester City last season and given his importance to the team, could the 27 year-old continue to follow in the footsteps of Fernandinho and take on the captaincy?
Nathan Ake
After an incredible campaign and given his vast experience, Ake is another candidate to replace Gundogan as captain.
The 28 year-old is a highly-regarded member of the City squad and has given countless impressive interviews during his three years at the club to date.
During his time at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe praised the Dutch defender’s leadership qualities and believed the centre-back was captain material.
Speaking in 2019, Howe said: “It’s a natural progression in his career. He is a leader. He leads by how he conducts himself, how he trains, his professionalism. All the players respect him immensely.
“I was really pleased and honoured to give him the armband.”