The potential return of Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City could arguably be the most surprising transfer in the club’s history.
It was reported that Gundogan’s representative was in Manchester to discuss a potential move for his client to the Etihad Stadium once again.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Gundogan on a free transfer — with the move being all but confirmed now.
When Gundogan left Manchester City in the summer of 2023, he admitted in an open letter for The Player’s Tribune to the club’s supporters that signing for Barcelona was always his childhood dream.
The City legend also felt “confident” that he had a “few more years left at the highest level.”
At the time, it seemed like the midfield maestro’s time at the Etihad Stadium was getting the cinematic finale it merited as the club’s one and only treble-winning captain.
Romano: The role Man City boss Pep Guardiola played in potential Gundogan return
However, it seems like the former Borussia Dortmund technician’s story at Manchester City is not over yet.
When Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021, it seemed to many that he would elevate the club to incredible heights like he did during his initial spell at Old Trafford.
While it seems difficult for the Barcelona maestro to be able to help City improve on their treble win in 2023 — unlike Ronaldo, he seems to be returning to a club that remain the juggernaut they were during his previous spell.
As Gundogan seemingly nears a move to Manchester City, Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Pep Guardiola was “absolutely key” in that being the case.
As soon as Hansi Flick’s side informed the five-time Premier League winner that they were ready to sell him, Pep Guardiola “wanted to talk” to his former player.
Romano has revealed that Gundogan especially received “big proposals” from clubs in Qatar but instead, he has decided to return to play for the Premier League winners.
A testament to the brilliance of Ilkay Gundogan that Guardiola rates him so highly
The fact that Pep Guardiola seemingly pounced at the chance to ensure Gundogan becomes a Manchester City player speaks volumes of how highly the legendary manager rates him.
Despite the midfielder turning 34 in October, the £378,846-a-week seems to have no qualms about how much of an asset he can be to his side.
Pep Guardiola continues to value Gundogan as both a player and a leader in the dressing room.
Such feelings will likely be reciprocated by the City players as well if their former skipper indeed returns to the club.
