As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Barcelona believe that Ilkay Gundogan wants to return to Manchester City.
The LaLiga team is willing to let Gündogan leave for free just one year after his move due to FFP problems.
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Gündogan spent seven trophy-winning seasons at the Etihad, where he scored 60 goals in 304 games in all competitions.
In his last season, the 33-year-old won the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup, thus securing the historic treble for the Citizens.
He even scored both goals in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United in a 2-1 win at Wembley.
And now he could be ready for one last dance at the Etihad after spending a year in Catalonia, where he made 51 appearances.
It was a season in which he had not won a title since the 2016/17 season.
It is known that Barcelona wants to reduce their squad after signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.
And Olmo, who helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship in Germany, would compete with Gündogan for a place in the starting line-up if the former Borussia Dortmund star stays at the Nou Camp.
But signs point to a quick exit, with new Barça boss Hansi Flick leaving Gündogan out of his first LaLiga squad that beat Valencia 2-1 on Saturday.
However, he stated that he believes that his compatriot, whom he coached when he was in charge of the German national team, will stay at the club.
After his victory at Mestalla, Flick said: “I spoke to him to find out how he feels before the season.
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“I know him very well, I respect him as a player and as a person.
“We’ve talked about everything, but it’s between us, you’re not allowed to know. I have a feeling he’s going to stay.”
Given his future plans, Gündogan has announced that he is ending his international career after scoring 19 goals in 82 matches.
On the occasion of his resignation as captain of the German national team, Gündogan posted on X: “Dear football Germany, after a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career.
“I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country – a number I would never have dared to dream of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.
“My highlight was definitely the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championships last summer!
“After all these years, we have finally managed to make the nation proud again – I am very happy to have been able to be part of it.”
“But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which gave me something to think about. And the games at club and national level are not getting any less.”
“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and hope very much that we can continue this upward trend together – and then nothing will stand in the way of us being among the closest contenders for the title at the 2026 World Cup.”
“We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit. Thanks to all the fans, staff, coaches and teammates who have accompanied me on this journey.”
“It was an honor! Thank you, Germany! Yours, Ilkay.”
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