With his old No.8 already taken, Ilkay Gundogan will have to wear a different squad number if he returns to Manchester City.
What has otherwise been a non-eventful transfer window for Manchester City could be about to burst to life in the most exciting of ways.
City are understood to have made an approach to sign Ilkay Gundogan just a year after the midfielder left the club for Barcelona on a free transfer.
Despite having a fantastic season in La Liga and still having two years on his contract, Barcelona are looking to get Gundogan off the wage bill after once again spending beyond their means in the transfer window.
City are aiming to take advantage and Fabrizio Romano reports that Pep Guardiola has approved the former captain’s return to the Etihad if a deal can be reached.
Gundogan’s possible City return has left fans incredibly excited after a window which has only seen Savinho arrive so far.
With the departure of Julian Alvarez, the injury to Oscar Bobb, his incredible quality and with how much he was missed last season, there are several reasons why City should move to re-sign Gundogan.
Since the German’s departure, the No.8 he wore during the entirety of his first stint has been taken by Mateo Kovacic, who was fantastic in the opening weekend win over Chelsea.
Gundogan will have to take a new squad number if he returns and here is what’s available to him.
Man City squad numbers available for Ilkay Gundogan
No.4
Though technically vacant after Kalvin Phillips left to join Ipswich Town on loan for the season, City rarely hand the squad numbers of players on loan out to new arrivals. That could change but it’s unlikely.
No.12
The No.12 has been up for grabs at City since Angelino’s short-lived return came to an end in 2020. Hopefully, Gundogan will have a much more successful comeback.
No.13
Zack Steffen wore No.13 until he left the club on a permanent basis in 2024. It’s a number usually taken by reserve goalkeepers.
No.14
The No.14 has been free for a year after Aymeric Laporte also left the club last summer. This might be an option for Gundogan as it’s a number that would suit his classy playing style.
Gundogan actually wore No.14 during pre-season at Barcelona last summer but Joao Felix took it for the season, with Gundogan moving to No.22. He also wore it once for Germany.
No.15
No one has worn No.15 at City since Eliquim Mangala and he said goodbye to Manchester in 2019. Jesus Navas, Stefan Savic and Alfie Haaland have also worn the digit.
No.19
Alvarez vacated No.19 this summer with his move to Atletico Madrid. It’s another number Gundogan once wore for Germany, so it could be appealing.
No.21
No.21 might well be Gundogan’s first-choice pick if he does seal his return to the club. The 33-year-old wore it consistently for the German national team for a decade before his retirement so it clearly has sentimental value. He also wore it for a season at Nuremberg.
The number is free after Sergio Gomez moved to Real Sociedad this summer.
No.22
If not, then No.22 is also a prime candidate for Gundogan’s new number at City. It was his first jersey after breaking into the Nuremberg team as a youngster and he sported it at Barcelona last season.
No.28
A number that has been free since 2016, No.28 was most famously worn by Kolo Toure and Uwe Rosler at City.
No.29
Also vacated for eight years, No.29 was last worn at City by third-choice goalkeeper Richard Wright. You have to go back to Kelvin Etuhu to find a player who actually wore it in a game.
No.30
Nicolas Otamendia is City’s only notable No.30 ever and his number has been available since 2021.
Lots of numbers above 30 are also free aside from the likes of 47, 52, 75, 82 and 87.
