Ilkay Gundogan contacted Manchester Metropolis a couple of days in the past to sound out a possible, sensational return to his former membership from FC Barcelona within the present switch window based on Catalunya Radio’s ‘La TdT’ program, which cited nameless sources.

With round an hour and a half to spare till kick off in Barca’s La Liga 2024/2025 season opener versus Valencia, SPORT reported that Gundogan had basically handed in a switch request and requested to the depart the Catalans this summer time.

The German was a shock omission from the Matchday 1 squad record for the journey to Mestalla, which was launched at noon in Catalonia on Saturday afternoon.

Gerard Romero revealed how the veteran had been dominated out of going through Valencia due to a blow to the eyebrow he acquired in Monday’s 3-0 loss to AS Monaco within the Joan Gamper Trophy match.

Elsewhere, nevertheless, RAC1‘s Marta Ramon tweeted that Gundogan had been pushed out of head coach Hansi Flick’s plans as a ploy to place strain on him to go away.

Barca is at present going through issues navigating Monetary Honest Play limits, which impacts with the ability to make new signings and registering new or present gamers.

As he is without doubt one of the highest earners of the primary staff squad, getting Gundogan’s wage off the pay roll can be a aid for President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.

Marta Ramon’s claims got credence when the SPORT story broke approaching kick off, in a match which ultimately proved to be a 2-1 win for the Blaugrana.

Gundogan took to X, previously referred to as Twitter, to congratulate his teammates for a heroic comeback after they initially trailed the hosts.

“Essential victory in our season opener – good job! Vamos equipo (let’s go, staff),” he wrote, which was seen as a optimistic signal of Gundogan in reality wanting to remain.

Moreover, Flick additionally instructed native broadcasters in Spain that he believed ‘Gundo’, who he as soon as made captain of the German nationwide staff, will proceed in Catalonia.

“I spoke with him to know the way he feels forward of the season,” Flick mentioned. “I do know him very effectively. I recognize the participant and the individual he’s. We spoke about the whole lot, however it’ll keep between us, it’s not so that you can know. I’ve a sense he’ll keep.”

Whereas which may show an correct prediction, it might nonetheless be true that Gundogan contacted Metropolis a couple of days in the past “to sound out the opportunity of returning to the membership” based on La TdT, which cited nameless Barca sources.

This system added that Pep Guardiola’s males can be open to a sensational second stint on the Etihad for the 33-year-old, to the aspect he performed for between 2016 and 2023.

It now stays to be seen what occurs with Gundogan’s case over the subsequent fortnight or so, earlier than the window closes till January.