Manchester City are leading the race to bring back Ilkay Gundogan, the former Germany international who is focused on returning to the Premier League champions amid other offers on the table.
Barcelona is likely to support Gundogan’s exit as he is expected to leave the Spanish club without a transfer fee. While agreements between Gundogan and Manchester City are still pending, conversations have already taken place between Gundogan and manager Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly in favor of the move.
Currently, Gundogan’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2026, having extended his initial two-year deal by an additional year after meeting appearance requirements last season. If negotiations proceed as anticipated, he will be returning to the Etihad Stadium, where he achieved significant success, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League title during his seven-year tenure.
The Athletic indicated on Monday that Manchester City is keen on the midfielder, who has been exploring his options following new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick’s decision not to include him in the team’s plans.
Gundogan previously joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, making an impressive 188 appearances and playing a crucial role in the club’s dominance in English football under Guardiola. He moved to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer, where he tallied five goals and nine assists in 36 matches during the 2023-24 season.
Due to ongoing financial challenges, Barcelona has had to let go of several key players in recent years, including Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, alongside the high-profile departure of Lionel Messi. Gundogan’s exit would facilitate the registration of Dani Olmo, a €60 million signing from RB Leipzig, for Barcelona’s upcoming match against Athletic Club on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will next face newly-promoted Ipswich Town at home on Saturday.