Gündoğan could remain at Dortmund

İlkay Gündoğan might have backtracked on some of his earlier comments. He told in April that he would not renew his contract with Borussia Dortmund, which is currently set to expire in the summer of 2016 and was seeking  a transfer in 2015.

Many clubs have been linked to a summer transfer move for the 24 year-old German Midfielder, including long term admirers Manchester United and Arsenal. Luis Enrique desires to have the midfielder following the departure of Xavi (with their ban till 2016, this seems highly unlikely). Bayern Munich are set to be interested but Dortmund would not be wanting to sell more star players to their Domestic Rivals.

Dortmund had established themselves as powerhouse over the last few years under Jürgen Klopp. Gündoğan was a key member of the squad during his first 2 seasons helping them win the Bundesliga and reach the Champions League final in 2013. Klopp left the club for a sabbatical after 7 years at the helm, as Dortmund endured a season to forget. He has been replaced by Thomas Tuchel, former manager of Mainz 05 (Since Klopp almost managed Mainz 05, Dortmund hope to have the same success formula?)

According to reports made by his agent Ilhan Gündoğan, Gündoğan could be reconsidering his options now, after hearing the upcoming season plans laid down by the new man in charge. There exists the possibility of extending his contract as well. According to Ilhan, “There are several things in favour of İlkay finding back to his old level and doing that in a familiar, comfortable environment.”

Gündoğan had suffered a back injury in August 2013, and only made a return to first team action in December 2014, missing a lot of action.

If these statements are true, it would be good news for Dortmund to know one of their prized players, will be staying for the foreseeable future, meaning they can try to challenge for the Champions League places and not be involved in a relegation slugfest. At 24, and once again healthy, he could be a long term asset for the club.

However, it might also be possible these statements might have been made to drive up his price. If that is so, Dortmund would be better selling him off and recovering something this Summer.