One of the biggest stories to emerge today has surrounded the future of former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan. David Ornstein reported for the Athletic earlier today that Gundogan was exploring his options with the possibility that he could leave Barcelona this summer looming large. Now a new report from Pol Ballús indicates that Manchester City are interested in bringing Ilkay Gundogan home.
Pol Ballús reports for The Athletic that the world champions are interested in bringing the German international back to the Etihad. Furthermore, Ballús adds that Barcelona’s current financial situation means they are looking to offload several high-salary earners. Ilkay Gundogan is one such player who falls into this bracket.
To follow up on the report from Pol Ballús transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also reported via X that Manchester City have made contact with Ilkay Gundogan’s camp. Romano adds that Pep Guardiola is open to Ilkay Gundogan returning to the club.
It appears that the chances of a homecoming for Ilkay Gundogan are gathering pace.
It had seemed earlier today that there was a small chance that Ilkay Gundogan could return to Manchester City. Spanish publication SPORT had reported that Gundogan had sounded out Manchester City about a return to the club. Now the new reports from Pol Ballús and Fabrizio Romano indicate that City have an interest in bringing their former captain home.
As previously reported Ilkay Gundogan appears to be the ideal player to come in and provide cover for Rodri. That appears to be an obvious option and one that makes perfect sense. But there is also another possibility at play. Given what Ilkay Gundogan achieved at Manchester City he deserves to finish his storied career at the club. That would be a fairytale ending for a player who has achieved so much at the club. There aren’t many romantic endings in football, or any sport, for that matter. But there may be one on offer for Ilkay Gundogan if Manchester City do make a move for the midfielder.
There is also the possibility that Ilkay Gundogan could mentor City’s younger players. Players such as Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis would benefit greatly from Gundogan’s guidance. The German international had a coaching role with City’s youth set up during his time at the club before he left for Barcelona. It seems an obvious move that Gundogan could resume such a role if he does return to Manchester City.
The chances of Ilkay Gundogan returning to Manchester City seem to be increasing as the day advances. It is now a major story to watch for over the coming days. But now it seems that a homecoming for a City legend is now a distinct possibility.
