- Barca are keen to ensure they have enough in the coffers for registering players
- Gundogan is believed to be returning on a one-year deal to City on free transfer
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Barcelona are believed to be considering putting a second former Premier League star on the market after Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City just one season after his move Catalonia.
The former captain reportedly has a deal in place to return to the Etihad, where he spent seven years and won five Premier League titles – as well as the club’s historic 2023 Treble.
Gundogan had struggled to find his footing upon his move to Spain after signing a two-year deal at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Man City are now set to recapture their man for free after thrashing out a one-year deal with the Catalan club.
But another Premier League transplant could shortly be following in the Germany star’s wake as Barcelona frantically bid to reduce their wage bill to prepare for the signing of new players.
Barcelona are thought to be keen to offload another ex-Premier League player this summer
Head coach Hansi Flick is believed to favour other players in the star’s position this campaign
As per Spanish outlet as, former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has been mooted for sale.
The Denmark international made the move to the Camp Nou against the backdrop of Chelsea’s transfer freeze in 2022, which saw sanctions placed on then-owner Roman Abramovich stymie the club’s ability to offer players new deals as they sought new ownership.
The 28-year-old had moved up the ranks of Chelsea’s academy after joining in 2012 from boyhood side Brondby, and broke into the first team in 2017 after an extended loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Christensen then joined the Blaugrana on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract that summer, and has made 75 appearances since first first start at the Camp Nou.
But new head coach Hansi Flick is thought to be less than convinced by the player, opting not to start him in the opening match of the season against Valencia due to him not being ‘in good condition’.
Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona two years ago after leaving Stamford Bridge on a free
The Denmark international moved to Chelsea’s academy in 2012 (pictured front right in 2021)
Barcelona are yet to register a number of key players including their August signing Dani Olmo
Barcelona’s dire financial straits would receive a boost from the sale of a player they brought in for nothing, and sporting director Deco is thought to be keen to prioritise the registration of a number of key players.
Landmark summer signing Dani Olmo is still not registered, and Mail Sport reported in June that nine of the club’s current players were not registered ahead of the nest season, including Euro 2024 breakout star Lamine Yamal.
The club’s perilous finances will likely continue to dictate their moves in the market as the window draws to a close, with Barcelona assessing whether to bring back last-season loanee Joao Cancelo.
The Manchester City defender is believed to be interested in a return to Catalonia but is unwilling to drop his sky-high wage demands.
The club are also thought to be concerned over the player’s attitude in the dressing room, with Cancelo having failed to gel with either the club’s big beasts or younger members of the squad.
