Gundogan’s Surprise Return: How Barcelona and Manchester City Both Win from His Free Transfer"

Ilkay Gundogan’s potential return to Manchester City after just a year at Barcelona would be one of the more unexpected transfer twists in recent years. After Barcelona signed the German midfielder on a free transfer in 2023, his experience, leadership, and ability to dictate the pace of a game quickly made him a key figure at Camp Nou. However, the return of Gundogan from barcelona to Manchester city have been finalised, sparking conversations about how this move could be beneficial for both clubs.

Here’s why a Gundogan return could be advantageous for Barcelona and Manchester City.

Why Barcelona Benefits from Letting Gundogan Go

While it might seem odd for Barcelona to allow such a key player to leave after just a year, the club stands to gain in several ways. First and foremost, Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles mean that they’re continually looking for ways to reduce their wage bill. Gundogan, as a veteran player, likely commands a hefty salary. By releasing him on a free transfer or arranging a deal with Manchester City, Barcelona can free up substantial funds to pursue younger talent and strengthen other areas of the squad.

Additionally, Barcelona’s midfield is not lacking in emerging talent. Players like Casado and Bernal have already proven themselves as future stars in the midfield, and with Frenkie de Jong continuing to establish himself as a crucial cog in the midfield, Barcelona’s future is in safe hands. Allowing Gundogan to return to City could open up more opportunities for these younger players to take center stage and develop further.

Gundogan’s departure also offers Barcelona an opportunity to tweak their tactical setup. Hansi Flick has been experimenting with different formations and styles since taking over as manager, and removing Gundogan from the equation could force the team to adopt a more dynamic, fast-paced approach, which better suits the younger, more energetic players.

Manchester City’s Gain in Reuniting with Gundogan

For Manchester City, bringing back Ilkay Gundogan is a no-brainer. During his time at the Etihad, Gundogan was instrumental in helping Pep Guardiola’s side win multiple Premier League titles and dominate domestic competitions. His intelligence, technical ability, and knack for scoring important goals – especially in clutch moments – made him one of City’s most trusted players.

City’s current midfield is stacked with talent, but having a player of Gundogan’s experience and familiarity with Guardiola’s system is invaluable. His leadership, particularly in big games, could be crucial as City continues its pursuit of silverware on all fronts. With the club aiming to fight immensely for the Champions League title this season, Gundogan’s presence could be the difference between success and failure in crucial moments.

Moreover, City doesn’t need to worry about the adaptation period that often comes with new signings. Gundogan knows the club, the manager, and the expectations inside out. He would slot seamlessly back into the team, offering versatility in midfield, and ensuring Guardiola can rotate his squad without losing quality.

A Win-Win Situation

In a rare instance, both clubs could emerge as winners from a potential Ilkay Gundogan move back to Manchester City. Barcelona would benefit from offloading his wages and focusing on developing their youthful midfield core and been able to register new player signing like Dani Olmo and potential winger transfer, while City would regain a reliable, experienced player who knows their system and thrives in big moments.

For Gundogan, it would be a fitting return to a club where he achieved immense success, offering him the chance to add to his legacy at Manchester City.