SBOTOP: Manchester City Open to Ilkay Gundogan’s Return on a Free Transfer

In a surprising twist of the transfer saga, Ilkay Gundogan could be on his way back to Manchester City just a year after his departure to Barcelona. The 33-year-old German midfielder, who played a pivotal role in City’s recent dominance under Pep Guardiola, is reportedly exploring a return to the Etihad Stadium. The move, however, hinges on whether Barcelona will allow him to leave on a free transfer, just as he left Manchester City last summer.

Gundogan’s Impact at Manchester City

Ilkay Gundogan’s time at Manchester City was nothing short of spectacular. Signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the midfielder quickly became a key figure in Guardiola’s midfield, known for his intelligence, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Gundogan’s versatility allowed him to excel in various roles, whether as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or even an advanced attacking threat.

During his tenure at City, Gundogan helped the club win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League. His leadership qualities were also recognized as he was handed the captain’s armband in his final season.

The Barcelona Chapter

After leaving Manchester City, Gundogan made a high-profile move to Barcelona on a free transfer. The move was seen as a fresh challenge for the midfielder, who sought to test himself in La Liga. At Barcelona, Gundogan quickly established himself as a key player under Xavi Hernandez, bringing experience and quality to a young and evolving Barcelona side.

However, despite his importance to the team, it seems that Gundogan’s stint at Barcelona could be short-lived. Reports suggest that the midfielder is already considering a return to Manchester City, with Barcelona potentially willing to let him leave on a free transfer.

A Personal Call to Guardiola

According to reports, the possibility of Gundogan’s return to Manchester City gained momentum after the midfielder personally reached out to Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, who shares a strong relationship with Gundogan, reportedly gave a positive response, expressing his openness to bringing the midfielder back to Manchester.

This conversation between Gundogan and Guardiola appears to have set the wheels in motion for a potential transfer. The midfielder has assured Manchester City that Barcelona will allow him to leave for free, making the move financially viable for the Premier League champions. For City, the opportunity to re-sign a player of Gundogan’s caliber without paying a transfer fee is an attractive proposition, especially considering his familiarity with Guardiola’s system and the squad.

Gundogan’s Return Could Mean for Manchester City

If the deal goes through, Gundogan’s return could have significant implications for Manchester City. Firstly, it would add depth and experience to a midfield that has seen some changes over the past year. While City boasts a strong roster of midfielders, including the likes of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, the addition of Gundogan would provide Guardiola with more options, particularly in managing the squad through a long and grueling season.

Gundogan’s leadership qualities would also be a valuable asset to the team. Having captained City during his previous stint, he knows the club’s culture and expectations inside out. His return could also serve as a morale boost for the squad, particularly for players who played alongside him during their successful campaigns.

Moreover, Gundogan’s experience in high-pressure situations could prove crucial in key matches, both domestically and in Europe. His knack for scoring important goals—such as his brace in the 2022-23 Premier League title decider against Aston Villa—would be a welcome addition to City’s attacking arsenal.