The Ilkay Gündogan 'novel' continues. The captain of the German national team has reportedly asked to leave FC Barcelona this summer, after not being entirely happy with his role at the club. Now, information has emerged that suggests that the midfielder has considered the option of returning to the Premier League to play for Manchester City.
Gündogan has a contract with the Blaugrana team until June 2025 and under Xavi Hernández he was one of the most highly valued players in the culé team last season. However, the player with Turkish roots has reportedly decided to bet on another challenge in his career and not honour his commitment as a player in the squad led by Hansi Flick, to whom he has already commented on his decision to leave.
Gündogan to Manchester City?
According to information from 'La TdT' of Catalunya Ràdio, who cited sources from Barcelona itself, the German contacted the Manchester City sports management a few days ago to sound out a possible return to the club. The midfielder played for the English team for seven seasons, between 2016 and 2023, achieving excellent results. The same source mentions that Pep Guardiola would be open to his return, because he has been one of his most important players and, despite his age, he could still offer a lot of quality to the English squad.
It is important to note that all these rumors of a possible departure began after Flick did not include him in the list of players called up against Valencia for the debut of the 2024/25 LaLiga season. The German coach made it clear that it was due to a "precaution" after the blow he received on his right eyebrow in the Joan Jamper Trophy against AS Monaco.
After the Mestalla match, the coach was questioned about the player's future in Barcelona and assured that "I have spoken to him to see how he is, I know him very well and I value him very much. I have the feeling that he will stay." There are certainly some very interesting days ahead for the Barça board, which will have just under two weeks to finalise the departure of several players. Will Gündogan be one of them? We will find out soon.