Manchester City are actively working on a potential deal to bring back Ilkay Gundogan, the seasoned midfielder who departed for Barcelona in 2023. Gundogan, who captained Pep Guardiola’s side to an unprecedented Treble before leaving on a free transfer, could be set for a sensational return to the Etihad Stadium. The 33-year-old’s exit came after his contract expired, but his contributions to City’s recent success have left the door open for a reunion that could benefit both parties.
Barcelona’s well-known financial difficulties have once again surfaced, hindering their ability to register new players like Dani Olmo, who recently joined the club. To alleviate these challenges, the Catalan giants are considering releasing one of their higher earners, and Gundogan fits the bill. His departure from Barcelona would create the financial flexibility the club needs, while simultaneously providing Manchester City with a timely solution to their growing list of problems.
City are currently facing a series of early-season personnel challenges that have tested the depth of Guardiola’s squad. The recent £81 million transfer of Argentine forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid has left a significant gap in City’s attacking options. Furthermore, the injury to Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, which could keep him out of action for up to four months, has compounded these issues. The potential return of Gundogan, a player who knows the club inside out, could provide the stability and experience City need to navigate this difficult period.
Gundogan’s familiarity with Guardiola’s system and his understanding of the demands at Manchester City would allow him to slot back into the team seamlessly. There would be no need for a settling-in period, as Gundogan already knows the tactics, the tempo, and the expectations that come with playing under Guardiola. This advantage could be crucial as City look to maintain their momentum in a season where they are once again expected to compete on multiple fronts.
Pep Guardiola was disappointed to see Gundogan leave in the first place, but the club’s unwillingness to meet the length of the contract the German midfielder desired ultimately led to his departure. Despite this, Guardiola has always held Gundogan in high regard, appreciating his tactical intelligence, leadership qualities, and ability to perform in crucial moments. Bringing him back would not only address City’s current squad deficiencies but also reintroduce a player with a proven track record of delivering when it matters most.
Ilkay Gundogan’s contributions to Manchester City during his seven-year spell at the club cannot be overstated. After joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a reported £20 million, Gundogan made 304 appearances and scored 60 goals for the club. His impact was felt in every competition, as he played a pivotal role in City winning 14 major trophies. This impressive haul includes five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and two Community Shields. Gundogan’s ability to perform at the highest level, combined with his leadership on and off the pitch, made him one of the key figures in City’s recent dominance of English football.
A return to Manchester City would not only reunite Gundogan with a club where he enjoyed immense success but also provide Guardiola with a valuable asset as he seeks to navigate the challenges of the current season. With City’s squad depth being tested early on, the return of a player of Gundogan’s caliber could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest for further silverware.
