Pep Guardiola Open to İlkay Gündoğan’s Return to Manchester City Amid Barcelona Uncertainty

Guardiola’s Thoughts on İlkay Gündoğan’s Possible Return to Manchester City Revealed

As İlkay Gündoğan’s potential return to England gains momentum, details surrounding this transfer have come to light.

After leading Manchester City to both Premier League and Champions League victories in the same season, İlkay Gündoğan joined Barcelona as a free agent in the summer of 2023. Despite being a regular under Xavi at Barcelona, Gündoğan might soon leave the club. Barcelona’s new head coach, Hansi Flick, has already admitted that he has discussed the midfielder’s future at the club.

According to The Athletic, Manchester City is eager to bring back their former captain this summer, a claim also supported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Romano reported that City manager Pep Guardiola is open to reuniting with İlkay Gündoğan during the summer, especially since City did not make any midfield signings during the transfer window.

Barcelona’s financial situation appears to be the main reason behind İlkay’s potential departure. The Catalan club has yet to register their £51 million ($66.2 million) new signing Dani Olmo, and selling İlkay could facilitate the registration of their new star.

What’s Next for İlkay?

With less than two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, both Barcelona and Manchester City will need to act quickly if they want to finalize this deal. It’s reported that İlkay is keen on returning to the Etihad Stadium just a year after his departure.