Ilkay Gundogan is set to return to Manchester City, a year after his departure. The 33-year-old midfielder will reportedly sign a one-year contract with an option for an additional year, according to The Athletic. In order to facilitate the move, Gundogan is even willing to forgo two years of salary that he would have been owed by Barcelona.
The Bigger Picture
Last season, Gundogan was a key player for Barcelona, making over fifty appearances across all competitions and earning a spot in the La Liga Team of the Season. However, with a change in management at Barcelona, the new head coach, Hansi Flick, has introduced a different vision for the team.
As a result, Gundogan was informed that he does not fit into Flick’s plans for the future. This led to discussions with Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, who gave his approval for Gundogan’s return.
Did You Know?
Gundogan was originally signed by Pep Guardiola in 2016 and became an integral part of Manchester City’s squad during his initial stint with the club. Over seven years, he made 188 appearances and won numerous trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League trophy. His experience and leadership on the field were pivotal in City’s success during this period.
What’s Next for City?
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, have had a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market. Gundogan’s return, along with the signing of Brazilian international Savinho, are their only senior acquisitions so far.
Despite the lack of new signings, City’s recent 2-0 win against Chelsea suggests that they remain strong contenders for the Premier League title. The club’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Ipswich Town, where they will aim to continue their strong start to the season.
Leave a Reply