Barcelona Decides On Ilkay Gundogan’s Future

Barcelona is reportedly open to allowing Ilkay Gundogan to leave on a free transfer, with a potential return to Manchester in the works.

Reports from Spain claimed over the weekend that Gundogan had handed in a transfer request amid friction behind the scenes at the Catalan club.

The midfielder has since been heavily linked with a return to City, who he left to join Barcelona back in 2023 upon the expiry of his contract.

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Barcelona is prepared to let Gundogan depart on a free transfer despite him having two years remaining on his contract.

Manchester City is in discussions with his agent to solidify a return to the Etihad Stadium.

City manager, Pep Guardiola, has already given his approval to the deal, and other reports claim he has spoken directly to Gundogan.

The decision is now up to the player, who is also wanted by other Premier League clubs, as well as teams from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Gundogan is set to leave Barcelona after making 51 appearances in all competitions during his single season with the club, although he will depart without securing any trophies.

In contrast, his time at Manchester City was highly successful, as he won 14 trophies over a memorable seven-year period. He served as captain of the 2022/23 season, his final year at the club, before moving to Barcelona.

While Gundogan is on the verge of an exit, Barcelona is hopeful of registering summer signing Dani Olmo with La Liga. The club’s ongoing financial woes have left them unable to add him to their official domestic squad as of yet.

Gündoğan’s representatives have traveled to the UK to secure a free agent return to Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.