An automatic contract extension clause for Ilkay Gundogan has been activated, ensuring he will continue to play with Manchester City through the summer of 2026. A year after departing the team on a free transfer following a historic Treble-winning season in 2022–2023, the former Germany international was welcomed back to the Etihad Stadium. Advertisment The former captain of Manchester City has only agreed to a one-year contract with Pep Guardiola's team, but the conditions of that contract stated that he would automatically have his contract extended by another year if he played a specific percentage of games. After Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 5-2 on Saturday afternoon, Guardiola told reporters that Gundogan's contract had been extended after he had played the necessary number of games. "He has one more year contract, definitely. What's going to happen (in the summer), I don't know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today (vs Crystal Palace) is the Gundo I remember when we won the Treble and Quadruple and an important player,” Pep Guardiola said. Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City at the end of the season Gundogan joined Manchester City last summer from FC Barcelona due to financial issues at the club. Manchester City was the best option, and the club signed him on a free transfer. As the summer transfer window is approaching, Hugo Viana, the sporting director at Manchester City, is likely to bring some new players. Meanwhile, he needs to find a proper replacement for Kevin De Bruyne is playing his last season for the club. After an unbelievable decade in which he lifted several trophies, Kevin De Bruyne announced his desire to quit City on social media on April 4. With the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer as possible destinations, the Belgian midfielder is now thinking about new options.