Manchester City are likely to hand fan favourite Ilkay Gundogan an opportunity to head back to the Etihad Stadium in a coaching capacity if he decides to call time on his playing career after his spell with Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray comes to an end, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Gianluigi Donnarumma became the Sky Blues' final acquisition of the summer transfer window earlier this week, with the goalkeeper completing a £26million switch after falling out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain, but there were also some high-profile departures on deadline day.
Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan on an initial loan deal which includes an option to become permanent for close to £13million, while Ederson and Gundogan embarked on a fresh challenge in the Trendyol Super Lig by linking up with Istanbul-based rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray respectively.
Sky Blues to Hand Gundogan a Coaching Role
Ilkay Gundogan in action for Manchester City
Gundogan is expected to return to Manchester City for a third spell despite embarking on a fresh challenge at Galatasaray a matter of days ago, according to GMS sources, as discussions have already taken place surrounding whether he would be interested in securing a coaching role further down the line.
The central midfielder's new employers have confirmed that he has signed a two-year contract which will allow him to pocket close to £4million every 12 months, having been handed the chance to walk away from the Sky Blues after Guardiola could not give him assurances about the amount of game time he could expect.
GMS sources have been informed that influential figures at Manchester City previously held talks about Gundogan shifting directly from a playing role into a coaching capacity, having seen him make 358 appearances across his two spells at the Etihad Stadium, and that avenue is still open despite his decision to join Galatasaray.
Ilkay Gundogan's statistics across his two spells at Manchester City
The former Germany international - who has been described as 'top-class' by Guardiola - clinched five Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, as many Community Shields and got his hands on the coveted Champions League while he was in the Sky Blues' colours.
Members of the Manchester City hierarchy are anticipating that Gundogan will head back one more time, GMS sources have learned, but in a coaching position instead of being handed another opportunity to become an influential figure in the middle of the park in the coming years.
Plans for Gundogan to Return Will be Explored
Ilkay Gundogan during a pre-match warm-up with Manchester City
GMS sources have been told that Manchester City are planning to explore handing Gundogan a coaching contract when he walks away from Galatasaray and potentially opts to announce his retirement, with there being confidence that he will accept the offer after already being involved in conversations.
Following his departure from the Sky Blues earlier this week, the 34-year-old confirmed the club will always have a special place in his heart, and he is on course to make his debut for his new employers when they make the trip to Eyupspor for a Trendyol Super Lig clash on September 14.
Manchester City are adamant that Gundogan would be an asset if he becomes a member of their coaching staff further down the line, GMS sources understand, and he is poised to be given the opportunity to head back to familiar surroundings when he decides it is the right time to hang up his boots.
GMS sources recently revealed that the Sky Blues are also pushing ahead with plans to tie Ballon d'Or winner Rodri down to a new contract as there are increasing fears that La Liga giants Real Madrid will attempt to lure him away after he has entered the final two years of his current agreement.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 05/09/2025
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox