Manchester City are making significant moves in the transfer market as the summer window nears its close, with reports indicating a potential high-profile return.
Transfer Window Drama: Fabrizio Romano on Ilkay Gundogan’s Possible Move Back to Man City
According to the latest update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are intensifying their efforts to secure Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona. The German midfielder, who left City for Barcelona just a year ago, may be on the brink of a surprising return to the Etihad.
City’s summer transfer activities have been relatively understated compared to previous years. After clinching an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, the club added only one new face, with winger Savinho arriving from Troyes.
Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid for £82 million and Kalvin Phillips’ loan move to Ipswich Town were the major outgoings.
Recent speculation has centered around Gundogan, who enjoyed a stellar stint at City before moving to Barcelona. The 33-year-old’s situation at the Camp Nou has been in flux following the arrival of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.
🚨🔵 Understand Barcelona have 100% decided to let Ilkay Gündogan leave for free.
Manchester City are working on details of the deal with Gündogan’s agent now in UK to get the comeback done.
As revealed earlier, Pep Guardiola said YES. ✅
Up to Gündo’s green light ⏳ #MCFC pic.twitter.com/RZL1f1R7DT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
With Barcelona needing to offload players to balance their books and comply with La Liga’s financial regulations, Gundogan has emerged as a candidate for a move.
Romano’s update sheds light on the acceleration of this potential deal. Gundogan was notably absent from Barcelona’s training session on Tuesday, fueling further speculation about his imminent departure.
Additionally, Gundogan’s agent is reportedly in Manchester, suggesting that negotiations are advancing.
Gundogan’s potential return to Manchester City could provide a significant boost to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Despite being 33, Gundogan remains a highly valued player, with Transfermarkt valuing him at around €15 million.
His experience and leadership qualities, demonstrated during his time at Barcelona where he made over 50 appearances last season, could be crucial for City, especially as they navigate another intense season of domestic and European competition.
The prospect of Gundogan rejoining City adds an intriguing twist to the closing days of the transfer window. With Barcelona eager to resolve their financial issues and City looking to bolster their squad with experienced talent, this move could prove beneficial for both parties.
As the deadline approaches, football fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Gundogan’s return to Manchester City becomes a reality. If completed, this transfer could offer City both a familiar face and a player with a proven track record, enhancing their already formidable squad.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the transfer window edges toward its final moments.
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