Manchester City have paid tribute to their former captain Ilkay Gundogan by dedicating a training pitch to the treble-winning midfielder. Gundogan, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Tuesday, departed the club during the summer transfer window to join Barcelona, concluding a successful seven-year stint with the Etihad club. Gundogan scored City’s title-winning goal against Aston Villa, a match that ended 3-2 on the final day of the 2022 Premier League campaign. He has been immortalized in a mosaic displayed alongside the newly dedicated training pitch at the City Football Academy.
Ilkay Gundogan lifting Manchester City’s 2022/23 EPL title Mail Sports reported that Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City, led the tribute during the unveiling ceremony. He said, “On behalf of everyone associated with Manchester City, it is really my privilege and honour to unveil this mosaic that is a tribute to every accomplishment you’ve made over the years. “You have been an important leader, an important pillar of the history of this club that will never be forgotten,” Mubarak added. He noted that Gundogan’s contributions, both on and off the field, have left quite an impression on the club. “But beyond these great accomplishments as a football player, your accomplishments as a leader, both in the club and in the community, will never be forgotten.” Manchester City are in the habit of celebrating their legends in remarkable ways. Similar tributes have also been given to some of the club’s best players in times past. Some of them include Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva, who have been honoured with statues at the Etihad Stadium.
Aaron Ramsey unveiled as a Cardiff City player. Source: Club Website Aaron Ramsey who began his career with Cardiff City, made 22 appearances for the Bluebirds as a teenager and six more on loan from Arsenal in 2011 and remains their youngest-ever player. Having played for them in the 2008 FA Cup final, he went on to win the competition three times with the Gunners and added a Serie A title and a Coppa Italia with Juventus and a Scottish Cup on loan at Rangers before joining Nice. He has played in Europa League finals with Arsenal, for whom he made over 350 appearances, and Rangers and for Wales at two European Championships and a World Cup. Speaking to Cardiff’s website, he said; “It feels unbelievable to finally be back here. I always thought one day I’d come back, and now it’s the perfect time to do that. 
Gabriel Jesus celebrating a goal. Source: Reuters Jesus was regarded by many as the heir to legendary striker Sergio Aguero at Man City, but the Brazilian called time on his spell with the Citizens in search of regular first-team football and joined Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for around £45m last summer. Before departing the Etihad, Jesus was the only recognized striker at Man City, but he preferred to operate out wide under Guardiola, leaving the Catalan boss without a natural focal point before the arrival of Erling Haaland. Speaking to the “Denilson Show” podcast, Gabriel Jesus said the turning point in his City career came during their home game against Paris Saint-Germain in November 2021 when he was named on the bench by Pep Guardiola. Jesus replaced Zinchenko in the second half and set up the equaliser before scoring a late winner to give City a 2-1 win. He said; “There was a Champions League game, PSG, at home, in which he put [Oleksandr] Zinchenko as a false 9. Crazy thing. The day before, he didn’t even use [Zinchenko] in training, he had put me in as a striker. … Zinchenko even joked with me: ‘that day I felt bad for you.’ 
Josko Gvardiol on defence duty for RB Leipzig. Source: Getty Leipzig have already lost key first team stars like Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer. The departure of Gvardiol, who started 24 league games as his side came third behind champions Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, would be another hefty blow to the spine of last season’s team. Confirming that Josko Gvardiol has requested to join Manchester City, RB Leipzig Sporting Director Max Eberl told German outlet LVZ; “I can confirm that Joško Gvardiol and agents told us about their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in talks with Manchester. That’s all there is to say at the moment. “Yes, for €100m plus bonuses, Gvardiol will end up in Pep’s strong hands. The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history. But it might take a few more days.” 
Josko Gvardiol celebrating a goal scored for RB Leipzing. Source: Getty Gvardiol has a £97m release clause in his Leipzig contract that becomes active in 2024, but City wants to sign him now. Guardiola has long been an admirer of the young centre-back, particularly his ability on the ball and in duels. The City boss plans to use a four-centre-back system again next season so would rather sign Gvardiol than a full-back. His transfer fee might eclipse the £80m forked out by local rivals Manchester United to Leicester for Harry Maguire back in 2019. Gvardiol had previously been wanted by Chelsea last year but no agreement was ever reached before he signed a new contract with Leipzig. His arrival would add to Guardiola’s strength in central defence. Consistent roles were found for Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones throughout the successful 2022/23 campaign, while Aymeric Laporte often warmed the bench or featured in lower stakes outings. 
Mateo Kovacic unveiled as a Manchester City player. Source: Manchester City The treble winners said the 29-year-old had signed a four-year contract after the clubs reportedly agreed an initial fee of £25 million ($32 million), with a potential £5 million in add-ons. Kovacic joins Pep Guardiola’s side after five years at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League and Europa League and made 221 appearances. Kovacic isn’t seen as a direct replacement for the outgoing Ilkay Gundogan, but there are some similarities. That includes the ability to play in multiple positions in the middle, with City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain citing two different roles he can play. Add in the experience the Croatian midfielder has for club and country, and City are delighted with the ‘great signing’ they have made. Speaking to the club’s website, Kovacic who will wear the number 8 shirt said; 
Kovacic playing against Manchester City in the Premier League. Source: Getty “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City. “Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. “I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me. “I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me. “My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.” Kovacic is City’s first signing of the transfer window and his arrival compensates for the departure of Gundogan, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer on Monday after seven years at the club. 
Kyle Walker at a match for Manchester City. Source: Getty Walker, who has one-year remaining on his deal in Manchester, looks set to join German champions Bayern Munich this summer. It’s been suggested that the Cityzens could offer Walker a new deal, but recent reports have claimed that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is now closing in on a switch to Bayern. Should Walker move on from Manchester City, Marca reported that Achraf Hakimi is Guardiola’s number one choice to replace him amid uncertainty over his PSG future. The 24-year-old shone for Christophe Galtier’s side last season with five goals and six assists from 39 games in all tournaments, winning the Trophee des Champions and Ligue 1 title in the process. Hakimi is not due to become a free agent for another three years, but his representative Alejandro Camano recently refused to rule out a move elsewhere for his client following another last-16 Champions League exit for Les Parisiens. 
Achraf Hakimi at a match for PSG. Source: Getty Man City have been keeping tabs on Hakimi since his rise to stardom at Borussia Dortmund and have touched base with PSG to discuss a possible move, but the French champions can afford to play hardball in negotiations. As well as Walker, Man City are expected to wave goodbye to Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern after becoming a bit-part player for Guardiola. Cancelo made a positive impression at the Allianz Arena with one goal and six assists in 21 matches, but Bayern are not expected to take up their offer of a permanent deal. Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that he would be interested in bringing Cancelo to Camp Nou, while Arsenal have also been tipped to make a move for the Portugal international but have apparently turned their attention to Ajax’s Jurrien Timber instead. 
Benjamin Mendy arriving a UK court for his trial. Source: Getty He was cleared of six counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault earlier this year after a five-month trial at Chester Crown Court but is set to face a retrial this month on one count of alleged rape and another of attempted rape. He has denied all charges and the retrial is set to begin on June 26. After almost two years without playing, Benjamin Mendy has disappeared from circulation at Manchester City. His contract was not terminated, however, and he remained a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad. This will change at the end of the month. Indeed, the player is coming to the end of his contract on June 30 and Manchester City has confirmed, unsurprisingly, that Benjamin Mendy’s contract will not be renewed. Without a club, the sporting future of Benjamin Mendy darkens a little more. At 28, the rest of his career is dotted. Beginning on June 26, his second trial will conclude around September 18. If the judgment is positive for Benjamin Mendy, it is still difficult to imagine the clubs jostling for the former Monaco and OM player, especially after so much time without competition. 
Bernardo Silva with the Champions League trophy. Source: Getty It’s been also gathered that the club is willing to do business provided they receive an offer around the £75m mark. Transfer window specialist Fabrizio Romano has said that the Manchester City right winger is still a prime target for PSG’s sports adviser, even if it will be very difficult to conclude this arrival. He tweeted; “Bernardo Silva remains among the top targets for Paris Saint-Germain. Club is planning for Bernardo move since March — but Man City will ask for important fee. Nothing close yet. PSG director Luis Campos has great connection with Bernardo since he was at Monaco.” Bernardo Silva remains among the top targets for Paris Saint-Germain. Club is planning for Bernardo move since March — but Man City will ask for important fee. Nothing close yet. 🇵🇹 #PSG PSG director Luis Campos has great connection with Bernardo since he was at Monaco. pic.twitter.com/GCodGKC2h7 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2023 Bernardo Silva still has two years of contract with the Cityzens, and with his value being estimated at 80 million euros by Transfermarkt, it will be hard to see the leaders of the English club letting the rhythm of the transfer window and the price of their player be dictated by Paris or another club. There are reports in France that Paris Saint-Germain offered Italy internationals Gianluigi Donnarumma or Marco Verratti to Manchester City for Bernardo Silva. According to Foot Mercato and le10sport, the pair of Italians were put forward as potential part-exchanges in the deal that would’ve brought Bernardo Silva to Paris. 