Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are now searching for a new club captain following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan.
The 32 year-old will leave Manchester City after seven years at the Etihad Stadium, moving to Barcelona on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.
Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the club, departs Manchester City as a legend, having captained the Blues to the treble and a maiden UEFA Champions League, as well as countless crucial Premier League goals.
The German midfielder made 304 appearances and won 14 trophies during his time in East Manchester, having moved to the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
Gundogan’s departure will leave a gapping hole within the Manchester City squad, with the 32 year-old a key member of the first-team and highly-respected by manager Pep Guardiola, who revealed on countless occasions his desire for the midfielder to extend his stay at the club.
The midfielder became club captain following the departure of Fernandinho, with David Silva and Vincent Kompany having previously held the armband during Guardiola’s reign.
The Manchester City squad usually vote to elect their club captain and leadership team at the start of each season, with Gundogan officially selected in October 2022.
Upon being named as club captain last year, Gundogan said: “As someone that wasn’t born and raised here, it is a big honour to be the captain of this team and club, without a doubt.”
Having captained Manchester City to the treble, the next skipper will have huge shoes to fill, but who could take 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.”