Premier League clubs are among those interested in signing former Manchester City player Ilkay Gundogan, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
The journalist claims that the German is expected to leave Barcelona before the transfer window closes, with the Catalan club in financial difficulties.
Some have suggested that Gundogan would be interested in returning to the Etihad but City fans on X are split on whether that is a good idea:
Bring him home
— 🇧🇼 (@bdeannn_) August 19, 2024
Never go back to your ex
— Fernansh Era (@BrunoFernanshh) August 19, 2024
We welcome him warmly
— Marleek™ (@MMarleek) August 19, 2024
He’s going to turkish league
— Josh (@Joshua_MCI) August 19, 2024
Absolute no brainer this
— The City Shack (@thecityshack) August 19, 2024
We don’t need Gundogan
— Mr.Page™ (@mfc_mrpage) August 19, 2024
@ManCity make that move!!!
— MR FOWOSERE (@espeezeal) August 19, 2024
Hopefully we don’t get him back
— Kunalcrypto (@kunalcrypto) August 19, 2024
Yes please 🙏🏻 come home captain 😭 @gundogan
— Tejas Kokcha (@tejaskokcha) August 19, 2024
Gundogan has expressed an interest in moving to another country
Speaking about his future earlier this month, the midfielder said he would be open to joining a club in Turkey:
“I might join the Turkish Super Lig one day, but not this summer!”
When making those remarks, Gundogan’s intention was to remain at Barca, but his opinion may have shifted in recent days. He was born in Germany but he is of Turkish heritage, so he may be tempted by a move there instead of a return to Manchester.
City have many options in his position
Another important factor to consider is that manager Pep Guardiola has plenty of central midfielders in his squad. Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly are all available to the manager.
You can’t completely rule out Gundogan returning if he is prepared to be a bit-part player, but he may be keen on having a more prominent role.
