Since his arrival at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Ilkay Gundogan has proved to be a reliable leader who can chip in with important goals when he is needed the most.
And yet, the German midfielder, who has made more than 250 appearances for the Blues, looks set to depart at the end of the season without any real push for him to stay.
Gundogan, along with third-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson, is out of contract at the end of this campaign. And with just eight months left on his current deal, it doesn't appear that the 31-year-old will be offered a new one by the reigning champions.
He is a fan-favourite at the Etihad, his teammates and coaches love him, and while it seems that he will not be wearing a blue shirt next year, he has the chance to go out with a bang.