‘Not ready for this’ – Man City fans react as club could face shock exit of star duo to make room in the squad

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez may leave the club in the summer to make room in the squad.

Gundogan, 32, has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad and will be eligible to discuss pre-contract deals with international clubs starting in January.

The German midfielder has been linked to Barcelona, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, though the latter team is said to have dropped out of the running for his services.

While Riyad Mahrez, who has stated his desire to retire from football at Manchester City, put pen to paper on a fresh contract at the Etihad Stadium in July, which is scheduled to keep him at the club until 2025.

The Algerian has been a key player for City in recent seasons, and was the Blues’ top scorer in all competitions last term with 24 goals in all competitions.

However, this season the 31-year-old winger has struggled for regular minutes and consistent performances, with Pep Guardiola often favouring Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva in wide roles.

He has started just three times this season and has only seen out a whole 90 minutes on one occasion. He is yet to score or assist this campaign after eight outings.

But Mahrez is confident that he can rediscover his best form in the second half of the season, even if he has contributed more this campaign than some have given him credit for.

Man City plot double signing of England stars

The rumour mill has begun to spin, with just days left until the winter transfer window opens. However, some players, it appears, are looking ahead to the summer.

Manchester City are reportedly plotting a stunning double swoop for England internationals Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.

Man City’s interest in both players has been heavily rumoured, with some of those rumours suggesting the club have been keeping tabs on Arsenal’s young star for 12 months.

The Premier League champions are prepared to splash the cash in the summer, though they are reliant on both players pushing to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium.

According to Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, there will be a few changes at City in the coming year and Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez are likely to move on to leave a gap in the squad for new signings.

It is said in the report that Bellingham’s move to the Etihad could open up the door for Ilkay Gundogan to leave the Etihad.

While Saka could be a natural heir to Mahrez in Pep Guardiola’s side, as the Algerian may leave in 2023 and there are doubts about Jack Grealish’s future.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

“I’m not ready for this.”
Credit: @MCFC__BH

“Inevitable to happen but it will be a sad sad day to see them both out.”
Credit: @mci_szn

“Not Gundo. He is still a major squad player has striked clutch for us so many times..”
Credit: @HoysalVivek

“Mahrez can go but I’d keep Gundogan for at least one more season..”
Credit: @JakerulesFC

“I don’t think Mahrez will leave anytime soon as he just sign his new contract but anything still can happen. Gundogan is more likely..”
Credit: @citybuildup

“They have been great for us when in form. But we have seen now that we improve a lot when we let go of some players, it’s not harsh. Sterling and Jesus gone and we got Haaland..”
Credit: @MrLuciferous

“I’m not ready for Gundo to leave.”
Credit: @MCFC_Olsen

“Mahrez is getting older now, and pace hasn’t been his “strong suit” per say and that’s what pep wants by the looks of it, I love mahrez but if he needs to go to make room for someone like leao, or even moving Alvarez out there then let him leave to be able to show his class.”
Credit: @BenjaminLind6