Manchester City might be on the verge of a significant transfer opportunity, and Barcelona could have just handed it to them with Ilkay Gundogan.
It’s hard to find a City supporter who wouldn’t welcome Gundogan’s return. Beyond being a beloved figure in the community during his seven years in Manchester, Gundogan was a key player who saved City’s 2022 Premier League campaign from falling into Liverpool’s hands and then captained them to a historic Treble in 2023. His absence was felt both on and off the pitch last season when City missed out on keeping him, having been too late in their contract negotiations. To this day, they haven’t found anyone with his unique combination of tempo control and goal-scoring ability.
Even without the sentimental value, City’s recruitment team might consider going back for Gundogan. The club has revisited past targets before; for instance, after missing out on Aymeric Laporte in 2016 when he initially turned down the chance to join Guardiola’s project, City returned for him in January 2018 after deciding not to compete with Liverpool for Virgil Van Dijk.
At 34 in October, Gundogan isn’t the typical age profile City would target. However, Guardiola’s recent comments about the type of player they need perfectly describe Gundogan.
He wouldn’t be too costly, especially since Barcelona, despite Gundogan being one of their top performers, seems eager to move him on after just one season. Over the past year, Gundogan has maintained his elite mentality, showing he’s not afraid to be self-critical or hold his teammates accountable, even if it ruffles feathers.
Gundogan also offers positional flexibility. While some City fans might still be haunted by the 2021 Champions League final, it’s worth remembering that he outperformed Fernandinho in the holding midfield role during the second half of the 2018/19 season, when City amassed 98 points and swept all domestic trophies.
If Txiki Begiristain is seeking additional cover for Rodri or support for Erling Haaland—a player who can excel in multiple positions without breaking the bank—Gundogan fits the bill. Plus, he wouldn’t require time to adapt to the squad or Guardiola’s system.
Barcelona seems motivated to sell, and there’s even the potential to include Joao Cancelo in the deal, which could sweeten the offer for both sides, especially as City is keen to move Cancelo this window. All things considered, bringing Gundogan back seems like an opportunity too good to pass up.
