Borussia Dortmund has reportedly entered the race to sign Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer this summer, competing against Arsenal and Barcelona. The 32-year-old midfielder previously played for BVB from 2011 to 2016, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in his debut season.
Gundogan’s impressive performances at Borussia Dortmund caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed him for €27 million (£23.3 million) in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first acquisition. While he has won numerous trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, his contract is set to expire in a few weeks, making him available on a free transfer in July.
Although Gundogan’s agent has stated that no decision has been made about his future, both Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly vying for his signature. While Guardiola is keen to retain Gundogan at Manchester City, the club is currently offering only a one-year extension, while the midfielder is seeking a two-year deal.
German outlet Bild suggests that contract negotiations between Gundogan and Manchester City have hit an impasse, increasing the likelihood of a departure from the Premier League champions. A return to Borussia Dortmund is now seen as a genuine possibility, especially considering the club’s potential departures of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Mahmoud Dahoud to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Borussia Dortmund’s head coach Edin Terzic is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield options, and the funds raised from player sales could help cover Gundogan’s substantial wages. Additionally, he shares a positive relationship with Dortmund director Sebastien Kehl, who was his former teammate until his retirement in 2015.
However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona can afford to sign both Gundogan and Lionel Messi, as the Catalan club is actively working to reduce costs in order to facilitate Messi’s reunion following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
Gundogan has been prolific since his move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, registering 60 goals and 40 assists in 303 games for Manchester City. He has won five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, and two FA Cups during his time with the club. The midfielder recently scored a remarkable brace in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, securing a 2-1 victory for Manchester City.
As Manchester City prepares for the Champions League final against Inter Milan, Gundogan will wear the captain’s armband, aiming to help the team achieve a historic treble.
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