Barcelona star linked with a sensational move to Manchester City as the PL champions look to bolster their ranks - Reports
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a sensational return to Manchester City this summer amid his uncertain future in Catalonia. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the reigning Premier League champions are open to a potential reunion with their former captain.
Gundogan joined La Blaugrana as a free agent last summer after his contract with City expired. He had an impressive debut campaign in Catalonia, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists in 51 appearances across competitions.
However, the last few days have been flooded with rumors of Gundogan's potential departure from Barcelona. Recent reports have claimed that the club's hierarchy is open to selling him to generate funds this summer.
Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Manchester City have already established contact with the player's camp over a potential reunion this summer. City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be in favor of the move, leaving the door wide open for Gundogan's return.
"Manchester City have made contact with Ilkay Gündogan’s camp over potential return for German midfielder," Romano wrote on his official Twitter page.
"City and Pep Guardiola open to consider Gündo’s comeback. Barça want Gündogan to leave… and he also received approaches from Qatar, Saudi and more clubs," he added.
Going back to Manchester City definitely won't be a bad move for the 33-year-old. He had an outstanding spell during his first stint at the club, bagging 60 goals and 38 assists in 304 appearances and claiming several trophies across seven seasons.
Barcelona and Manchester City make decent starts to the 2024-25 season
Manchester City kick-started their Premier League title defense mission with a massive clash with Chelsea on Sunday, August 18. The Cityzens held their nerve and secured a 2-0 victory away from home, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland (18') and Mateo Kovacic (84').
Barcelona also managed to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in their La Liga opener. A Robert Lewandowski brace ensured that the Catalan giants secured all three points and begin their campaign with a win.
Up next, the Catalan giants will go head-to-head with Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this Saturday (August 24). Manchester City, meanwhile, will face Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on the same day.