Ilkay Gundogan is already plotting his next steps away from on-field Manchester City action

Manchester City’s latest signing, Ilkay Gundogan is already plotting his next steps away from the club and his ongoing duties on the pitch, according to a report.

The 33-year-old re-joined Manchester City in dramatic fashion last week after one season with FC Barcelona and a free transfer exit from the Etihad Stadium in light of a contractual expiry in 2023.

Despite being content with life at the La Liga club and remaining fully-focussed on the task under new coach Hansi Flick, the ongoing financial problems at the Catalan organisation meant Gundogan was sacrificed by decision makers in order to cut costs.

The former Manchester City captain’s salary was eyed as an area that could be saved at Barcelona, and as such the player came to an agreement to leave the side on a free transfer, with the Premier League champions moving fast to take the midfielder.

But it now appears as though whilst the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola’s squad offers an opportunity to continue competing at the very highest level of the game, Gundogan already has one eye on life away from the field of play.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Pol Ballus, and during his phone call with Pep Guardiola just days prior to confirming an agreement with Manchester City, the German confirmed his plan to continue educating himself as a future manager.

It is further detailed that as part of those conversations, Gundogan also suggested he would be interested in joining Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff, wherever the 53-year-old tactician might be at that stage in his career.

From the side of the Catalan manager, it is revealed that the idea was ‘very much welcomed’.

For now, both Ilkay Gundogan and Manchester City have big on-field ambitions in mind, as the club eyes a remarkable fifth-successive Premier League title following their record-breaking campaign last time around.

That domestic top-flight ambition will no doubt be accompanied by the added intent to reclaim their UEFA Champions League crown from Real Madrid, alongside a stern challenge for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Gundogan will no doubt have a big role to play in any trophy triumphs this season, whether that be through his performances on the pitch, or through his outstanding leadership capabilities and overall dressing room respect and presence.