Uncertainty growing around Barcelona heavyweight midfielder, player exploring Man City return

Ilkay Gundogan’s absence from Barcelona’s squad to face Valencia earlier this week sent ripples through the Spanish media, and needless to say, served as seed for news of his departure.

While the club officially told the reason for his exclusion was an injury he suffered during the Joan Gamper clash, it is concurrently clear that his future at the club is far from secure.

After all, there is growing competition in the Catalan capital for a place in the midfield department.

A return to Manchester City

As revealed in a recent update by Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan’s future is indeed in the air and the player is shockingly considering a move back to his former club Manchester City.

The German midfielder made the move to Barcelona after winning the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League with the men in blue and rejected a renewal at the club to sign for the Blaugrana.

Now, however, he has asked the Barcelona administration to leave and has contacted Pep Guardiola’s side over a potential return. City are willing to negotiate a return as well and are aware of his stance.

Gundogan was one of the protagonists for Barcelona last season and led the midfield from the front.

His influence was only expected to increase after Hansi Flick’s arrival, but matters have taken a turn in recent weeks.

Fermin Lopez’s incredible form, the signing of Dani Olmo, and Pedri’s injury amplify the competition for a starting place in midfield. Gavi and Frenkie de Jong’s return later this season dampen Gundogan’s chances further.

It remains to be seen if indeed the veteran pushes for a move to the Premier League in the coming days. Barcelona, for their part, do not see it with bad eyes given his wages and age.

In fact, they can now look to use his transfer as bait to lower Manchester City’s demands for Joao Cancelo – the Catalan club’s long-term transfer target.