Barcelona will offload Ilkay Gundogan for free in the next few days, with the 33-year-old German midfielder closing in on rejoining Manchester City this summer.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ilkay Gundogan will leave Barcelona as a free agent as he closes in on rejoining Manchester City in the summer transfer window. He has added that the Premier League champions are working on the details of the deal with the player’s agent now in the UK to get the comeback done.
Speaking of the player’s agent, Gerard Romero has suggested that Gundogan’s representative is in Manchester advancing the deal to return to the Etihad. The veteran midfielder did not train with the Barcelona first team on Tuesday. Meanwhile, according to RAC1, his move to Manchester City is “imminent”, with Manchester City being his priority destination.
Ilkay Gundogan and his Barcelona journey so far
Ilkay Gundogan has been one of the best players for Barcelona since arriving from Manchester City in a Bosman move in 2023. The 33-year-old was a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Blaugrana and chipped in with five goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last season.
However, the veteran German midfielder has played his final game for Barcelona due to the Catalan club’s precarious financial situation. With Barcelona ready to sacrifice him, Gundogan has set his mind on returning to Manchester City only a year after leaving the Premier League club as a free agent.
Manchester City return on the cards?
Manchester City can do with a player like Ilkay Gundogan after missing his qualities throughout the 2023/24 season. The experienced midfielder’s versatility means he can fill in for Rodri or be the most advanced midfielder for Manchester City. So, the Barcelona star has emerged as a viable target for the Citizens.
Recent reports have claimed that the Premier League champions have been in contact with Ilkay Gundogan’s representatives over a possible return in the summer transfer window. The latest update brings good news for Manchester City fans, with talks between the two parties advancing.
In addition, Barcelona will offload the 33-year-old German midfielder for free as they are getting his wages off their books. So, it will be interesting to see how quickly the move sees the light of day as Gundogan inches closer to ending his short spell with Barcelona.
