Manchester Metropolis are excited about bringing again their former membership captain Ilkay Gündogan from Barcelona.
The German midfielder left the membership simply over a yr in the past however needs to go away the Catalan membership, opening up the chance of a return to the Premier League, though there may be curiosity from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Gündogan spent seven seasons on the Etihad Stadium, successful 5 league titles and the Champions League, however departed for Catalonia in 2023 on the finish of his contract. His last act beneath Pep Guardiola was to attain a double to assist Metropolis beat Manchester United within the FA Cup last.
The 33-year-old German, who has two years to run on his present contract, didn’t function for Barcelona of their opening match of the season in opposition to Valencia and appears set to go away, regardless of the pinnacle coach Hansi Flick insisting he has a future on the membership. “I admire what sort of participant he’s and what he’s like as an individual,” Flick mentioned of his compatriot.
“I’ve talked to him quite a bit, but it surely’s one thing between me and him, we’ve a great relationship. I do know him properly. I’ve the sensation that he’ll keep.”
Metropolis need to bolster their squad earlier than the top of the window following the sale of Julián Álvarez and Oscar Bobb’s leg fracture, making Gündogan coming again an excellent resolution. Guardiola has admitted to being open to the prospect of buying a central midfielder to assist alleviate the burden on Rodri. Though usually a No 8 when at Metropolis, Gündogan was capable of play as a defensive midfielder, providing the flexibility Guardiola craves.
Throughout his one season in Spain, Gündogan helped Barcelona end second, 10 factors behind Actual Madrid, and attain the quarter-finals of the Champions League the place they misplaced in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain. Monetary difficulties on the membership imply the high-earning Gündogan’s departure would alleviate strain on the wage invoice.
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Metropolis have loved a optimistic relationship with Barcelona lately, putting offers for Eric García in 2021 and Ferran Torres in 2022 whereas additionally permitting João Cancelo to spend final season on mortgage on the membership.
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