Ilkay Gundogan has been spoken about a lot by the media this season as his contract is up this summer without any guarantee of him signing an extension and Graeme Bailey admitted in comments to TEAMtalk that the 32-year-old is considering a return to Germany.
Gundogan didn’t rule out the idea of moving back home, but he might have the option to end his career in Spain if Bailey’s claim is anything to go by. The 90min journalist said Gundogan has interest from Barcelona and could be seduced.
He said: “Barcelona have also shown an interest and a move to La Liga could be an option he looks at and likes.” Gundogan has made 28 appearances from a possible 32 in all competitions this season, so he’s still an important player to Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing the midfielder as a successor for Sergio Busquets who could be on his way out at the end of the campaign when his contract expires, but Gundogan isn’t exactly a like-for-like replacement.
The 32-year-old can turnover possession, but he’s more of a playmaker than ball-winner, so time will tell if Barca are seriously considering signing him to take Busquets’ place.
Bailey appears to think so and also said Gundogan might like the idea of Spain, but this is pure speculation as City have no offer to field.
In other news, rumours of fallout could intensify after Pep Guardiola ignores Joao Cancelo v Arsenal
For more Manchester City news and opinion, please follow our Vital Football page on Facebook – Vital Man City. Click the link and get involved!
Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score