German champions Bayern Munich are open to a move that will see Ilkay Gundogan return to the Bundesliga
According to 90min, German heavyweights Bayern Munich are considering a summer swoop for Manchester City superstar Ilkay Gundogan in 2023.
The midfielder made a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund before becoming the first piece of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City reshape. Since arriving at The Etihad in the summer of 2016, Gundogan has amassed 268 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 51 goals and assisting 34 more.
He has been privy to Man City’s domestic dominance and has won all the trophies sans the UEFA Champions League. With his contract winding down, he could very well be enjoying his last dance in Manchester.
Despite recently turning 32, Gundogan remains a key asset for Guardiola. His ability and experience make him a calming presence in the middle of the park, capable of relaxing nerves and controlling the rhythm of the game.
While Man City remain keen to extend their veteran’s stay, Bayern appears ready to throw their name into the ring for his signature. Already familiar with the Bundesliga, Gundogan could settle in well at the Allianz Arena and continue to rack up trophies with the Bavarian juggernauts.
He will join a roster in midfield that comprises Joshua Kimmich, Marcel Sabitzer and Leon Goretzka. Given that Julian Nagelsmann often plays a 4-2-3-1 system, Bayern could do with four reliable options for their two anchoring roles.
Adding Gundogan will give them a squad rich in talent and experience, providing the right protection for their scintillating frontline to go nuts. It also offers Nagelsmann more leeway to rotate his players in midfield and maintain their fitness levels while playing across multiple fronts.
As things stand, Gundogan is likely to decide on his future after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. He had earlier been linked with a move to Turkey, the place of his ancestry. With Bayern now entering the chase, it remains to be seen if he is keen to move to Galatasaray or return to Germany for a second inning.
Despite his age, the midfielder has a good few years left in him and can thrive thanks to his positional awareness and game intelligence. Add to it his ability to come up clutch in finding the back of the net, and you have a complete midfielder who can make a telling difference on the field.
