Manchester City is having a change in the team’s hierarchy as the new season has already begun in full flow. City have had different players wear the captain’s armband in recent years. After longtime captain Vincent Kompany left in 2019, David Silva wore it in 2020, and then Fernandinho wore it until 2022. It then fell to Ilkay Gundogan last year.
But after winning the treble last season, Gundogan also left on a free transfer. Gundogan’s departure has now left a gap in the captain’s list and City have picked someone to fill that gap.
Manchester City extends captaincy role for Kyle Walker
Pep Guardiola is known to allow five captains to be appointed every season by popular vote by the whole squad. As per his tradition, he waited until the transfer window ended, and now the squad has picked their captains.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Ruben Dias have all been reappointed as Manchester City captains this summer. A new addition was Bernardo Silva to replace the outgoing Ilkay Gundogan. Surprisingly, Kyle Walker was also allowed to retain his position as captain.
Your 2023/24 #ManCity captains! 🥹🩵 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/GKwkt6dhrD
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 18, 2023
This is surprising since the English right back was actually close to leaving the club this summer. Bayern Munich were heavily interested in the player, and a deal was almost done. But in the end, Walker was convinced to stay and signed a new three year contract that will see him stay until 2026.
While there is still no primary captain, it is going to be contested by Kevin De Bruyne and Walker himself. They are both currently the oldest serving players and are influential both in the squad and on the pitch. De Bruyne captained the season opener against Burnley but has been on the sidelines with an injury since then. Kyle Walker has since worn the armband in each game, which they have all won.
Gundogan completes free transfer to Barcelona after City exit
Ilkay Gundogan had finally decided to leave Manchester City this summer after seven years of service. The German finished his stay by lifting his maiden UCL title and winning a historic treble. Gundogan was offered a new contract but instead left on a free transfer to join FC Barcelona in Spain.
Gundogan has already fit into the team, having played six games, where he has already shown his value. He has also picked up three assists to further prove his impact there. Thanks to his help, Barca have won all but one of their games.
Gundogan had a brief injury scare during international duty, but quickly returned to action. While Manchester City will no doubt miss him, they are already doing quite fine without him, winning all their games so far.
