Ilkay Gundogan Eyes Premier League Return Amid Barcelona Exit Rumors

Former Manchester City Captain Could Depart Camp Nou This Summer

Ilkay Gundogan, the former Manchester City captain, is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League, as it has emerged that Barcelona may allow him to leave during the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The 33-year-old midfielder, who left the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer a year ago, was notably absent from Barcelona’s squad over the weekend, fueling speculation about his future.

Gundogan, who scored five goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances during the 2023-24 season, has been a key player for Barcelona. However, the club failed to secure the La Liga title, finishing behind rivals Real Madrid. The Catalan giants are now facing financial challenges, particularly with the registration of new signing Dani Olmo, who joined from RB Leipzig for over £50 million but has yet to be registered with La Liga due to the club exceeding their annual spending cap.

Ilkay Gundogan & Pep

Barcelona is considering various options to free up space on their wage bill, including potentially parting ways with Gundogan. Coach Hansi Flick addressed the registration issues last week, stating, “We cannot change anything about that… No excuses, no complaining, it’s just about the now.”

Gundogan’s availability is likely to attract interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, where he played a crucial role in every title triumph under Pep Guardiola until his departure. Additionally, Bayern Munich, coached by his former teammate Vincent Kompany, and clubs in Saudi Arabia have also been linked with the German international, who recently announced his retirement from international football.

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Guardiola has hinted that City may explore late deals in the transfer window if they represent value for the club. With Gundogan under contract at Camp Nou until 2026, his potential departure could have significant implications for Barcelona and the interested parties looking to secure his services.

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