Ilkay Gundogan 'calls Pep Guardiola with transfer promise' as Man City deal moves closer

Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly promised Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola that the Spanish club will let him leave for free this summer. The Germany international is said to have phoned his former manager asking for a return to the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan spent seven years at City after joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2015 and helped the team win five Premier League trophies and the Champions League.

He departed the club to join Barca last summer after his contract in Manchester came to an end.

Gundogan made 51 appearances during his maiden campaign at the Nou Camp, starting 33 games in La Liga and nine in the Champions League.

But he is reportedly being allowed to explore a transfer this summer, with Barcelona chiefs telling him they won’t stand in the way of a move.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER are set to reveal details of Gundogan’s potential return to City on their Què T’hi Jugues show. The 33-year-old is said to have personally called Guardiola a few days ago with a plea to sign for the Premier League champions once again. And things have accelerated since the call was made.

Gundogan missed Barcelona’s opening La Liga match of the new season on Saturday due to a concussion as his team battled to a 2-1 victory over Valencia.

And after the clash Barca boss Hansi Flick, who managed Gundogan when he was in charge of the Germany team, explained: “I know him very well. I appreciate the player and the person he is. We spoke about everything, but it will stay between us. It’s not for you to know. I have a feeling he will stay.”

Gundogan was placed on Barcelona’s transfer list earlier this month alongside nine of his team-mates, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce believed to be interested in signing him at the time. There is now said to be interest from clubs in England, Spain and Saudi Arabia as the player lines up his next move.

Gundogan featured 304 times for City after initially joining the club during Manuel Pellegrini’s time in charge.

He was made permanent captain of the side during his final season in England and led the team to Champions League glory in 2023 as the Citizens defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the final in Turkey.

The star also won two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups during his time in the north west and finished his City career with 60 goals and 38 assists.