After the recent developments in the transfer window, FC Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gündogan is ready to go back to Manchester City this summer. The Athletic broke the news on Wednesday that Gündogan had given the thumbs up to rejoin the Cityzens. He plans to sign a one-year contract with the choice to add another 12 months.
One of the most well-known football journalists, Fabrizio Romano, has confirmed that the German veteran is heading back to the Etihad Stadium. This comes just a year after he moved to Barcelona. Romano has given his trademark “Here we go” confirmation ahead of an official announcement of the deal. Gündogan and Manchester City have come to terms on a contract that will last until the summer of 2025. Pep Guardiola, the team’s manager, is more than pleased to have his former captain rejoin the squad.
Gündogan to Leave Barcelona on a Free Transfer
The 33-year-old midfielder departed City for Barcelona in 2023 after leading Pep Guardiola’s team to their historic treble as captain. Gündogan inked a two-year deal until 2025 with the choice to extend for another year and had a stellar first season, ending up as one of Barça’s top performers.
It seemed just a matter of time before FC Barcelona made another big move in the transfer market. But instead of bringing in new players right away, the club wanted to make sure players were sold to raise funds. This also meant that Barcelona would end up making some not-so-good choices.
After Gündogan reportedly asked to transfer over the weekend as he was not happy at the club, Barcelona decided on Tuesday to let him go for free. He is ready to forego the last two years he had left on his contract with Barcelona.
When Hansi Flick took over as manager, people thought Gündogan would play a key part in the team, but things haven’t turned out that way.
However, the Catalan giants’ money troubles, which is apparently not a secret, prevent them from registering their new signing, Dani Olmo. Letting go of one of their big earners would make this easier. As a result, Barcelona are said to have made a decision to let Gündogan go without a second thought. They will not demand any sort of fee from City, as they cannot afford to wait till the deadline day.
Manchester City to Welcome Gündogan Back
Pep Guardiola, the manager, wanted Gündogan to stay at City last year, but the club would not give the German midfielder the contract length he asked for. He came to City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for about £20m. He played 304 games for the club and scored 60 goals.
In his seven years at the Etihad Stadium, he won 14 trophies – five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and two Community Shields.
The Cityzens want a midfielder who can play as a number six or eight. Gündogan’s free status and knowledge of Guardiola’s tactics makes him a smart choice. The former Manchester City skipper will return to the Premier League champions on a free transfer. Barcelona has no objection with this as long as they do not have to pay his wages anymore.
City face early team troubles. These include the £81 million sale of Argentine forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid. Moreover, Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb’s injury might keep him out for four months. Gündogan could help solve these issues as he is already familiar with the team’s tactics and play style.
Gündogan, who announced his retirement from international football just 2 days ago, would be City’s second signing this summer. The team already brought in Savinho from Troyes, another club owned by the City Football Group.
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