Manchester City fans are daring to dream of a return to the club for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The 33-year-old has become a surprise transfer link for City, with his future at Barcelona now in serious doubt.
The German is no longer wanted at Barca despite his brilliant season in 2023/24, with the club’s financial position seemingly one of the reasons they want to ship him out. They also recently signed Dani Olmo.
Gundogan back to City is seemingly now a real possibility. City are understood to have made an approach for their former skipper.
There are a number of good reasons why him returning would make a lot of sense for City, and it remains to be seen if a deal will get done.
Obviously, it was a very big deal when Gundogan left the club last year.
At the time, he penned an open letter to City fans – and it is interesting to read some of the comments he made now that he is being linked with a return.
‘I will always be City’ – Ilkay Gundogan when he left in 2023
Gundogan spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium, after moving to the club in the summer of 2016 from Borussia Dortmund.
He arrived in the same summer as Pep Guardiola, a man Gundogan has a huge amount of respect for.
Gundogan had many special moments in a City shirt, with his goals against Manchester United in the 2023 FA Cup final, and his brace against Aston Villa in the final Premier League game of 2021/22 potentially the most memorable.
Gundogan has a special places in many City fans’ hearts. And the feeling is mutual.
With him now being linked with a return, it is interesting to go back to the open letter he penned when he left. Some of the comments he made show that a return should actually come as little surprise.
He said in The Player’s Tribune: “I just want you to know that I will always be City. Nothing can break that bond. It is a love on the highest level possible.’
‘I’m sure most people will probably remember the goals and the assists and the finals from this incredible era. But I will cherish something a bit different. Yes, the football was sensational at times. But the people were even better. I will remember you all for the rest of my life.
Gundogan also touched on Pep, and the impact he had on him.
Interestingly, Gundogan said at the time that he always felt the manager wanted the pair to leave the club at the same time, having arrived at the same time. Potentially, there could now be a chance of that happening if Gundogan signs a one-year deal and the Spaniard does not extend.
He said: “I think maybe Pep was hoping that we would come here to City together and leave together, but I know that he understands my decision.”
Bring him home
City fans have been growing very excited on social media since the reports came out at the weekend that Gundogan was set to leave Barcelona – and that is understandable.
It now appears to be the case that he will not continue there, and it’s a question of when he leaves and where he goes.
It is good that City have thrown their hat into the ring.
Re-signing Gundogan just makes so much sense; he’d provide midfield cover, he knows how this team plays and he can provide goals. He’d also give the whole place a lift, and everyone adores him.
