The departure of Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City is imminent as manager Pep Guardiola has already given the green light for his return, according to Spanish outlet RAC1.
The Germany international prioritises a move back to the Etihad Stadium club after just a season with Barca, and the move is set to be sealed in the coming days.
‼️ NOTÍCIA @esportsrac1
👉🏼 La sortida de Gündogan al Manchester City és imminent
👉🏼 El jugador prioritza el retorn a l’equip cityzen
👉🏼 Pep Guardiola ja ha donat el vistiplau al seu retorn pic.twitter.com/E7NRfbz3cY
— El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) August 20, 2024
Gundogan was excluded from their matchday squad for their La Liga opener – a 2-1 victory over Valencia on Saturday – due to a concussion, but he has already informed the club that he wants to leave, and Man City have pipped other interested Premier League clubs to his services.
The 33-year-old won five English top-flight titles with the defending champions, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, two FA Community Shields and a Champions League title, but he went trophyless last season at the Catalan club.
The grass is not always greener on the other side as Gundogan has discovered, and Man City will be glad to have him back.
He signed a two-year contract upon joining Barca on a free transfer in June 2023, and it is unknown if he is leaving them for free or whether his former club will be parting with a fee to re-sign him.
The former Borussia Dortmund star ended his debut campaign in Spain with five goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances, and their new manager Hansi Flick was hoping to count on him for the new season.
However, Gundogan wants out and could be re-joining Man City this week if all goes to plan.
While his exit will come as a blow for Barca, taking his wages off their bills will give them a chance to balance the books, and it would free up space for them to register summer signing Dani Olmo as they have not been able to due to their financial situation.
