Manchester City is reportedly working on a deal to bring midfielder Ilkay Gundogan back to the club. The 33-year-old had left City for Barcelona in 2023 after leading Pep Guardiola’s side to their historic Treble. However, Barcelona’s financial struggles have prevented them from registering new signing Dani Olmo, and offloading one of their higher earners like Gundogan would help alleviate their issues.
City is facing early personnel challenges, including the departure of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a staggering £81 million. Additionally, Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb is dealing with an injury that could sideline him for four months. In light of these problems, Gundogan could provide a short-term solution without requiring a settling-in period.
It’s worth noting that last year, Manager Pep Guardiola did not want Gundogan to leave City, but the club was unwilling to meet the German midfielder’s desired contract length. Gundogan originally joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a reported fee of £20 million. Over the course of his seven-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium, he made 304 appearances for the club, scoring 60 goals.
During Gundogan’s time at City, he won an impressive 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and two Community Shields. His return to the club would not only provide added depth to City’s midfield but also bring back a player who has been instrumental in their success.
This potential deal highlights the financial struggles faced by Barcelona and the potential opportunities it presents for other clubs. Gundogan’s return to City would benefit both parties, with City gaining an experienced and talented midfielder, and Gundogan reuniting with a team where he has achieved great success. As negotiations continue, it will be interesting to see how this transfer unfolds and the impact it could have on both clubs’ fortunes in the upcoming season.