Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan, with the former Germany international prioritising a return to the Premier League champions despite receiving other proposals, according to The Athletic.
Barcelona are expected to facilitate Gundogan’s departure, with the 33-year-old likely to leave the Catalan club on a free transfer.
While terms between Gundogan and City have yet to be finalized, Pep Guardiola has given the green light for the move, following discussions between the two.
Gundogan remains under contract at Camp Nou until 2026, having triggered an automatic extension last season by meeting appearance requirements.
If negotiations go as planned, Gundogan is set to return to the Etihad Stadium, where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League during his seven-year spell in Manchester.
Man City are reportedly keen to bring the midfielder back after learning that he is not in new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick’s plans.
Ilkay Gundogan originally joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, making 188 appearances and playing a crucial role in the club’s dominance under Guardiola.
Last summer, he signed for Barcelona on a free transfer, contributing five goals and nine assists in 36 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.
However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles have forced the club to offload several players in recent years, including Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and most notably Lionel Messi.
Gundogan’s potential exit would help ease their salary cap concerns and allow them to register new signing Dani Olmo, the €60 million arrival from RB Leipzig, ahead of their upcoming fixture against Athletic Club on Saturday.
Manchester City will be in action next on Saturday, hosting newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
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