Ilkay Gundogan’s time at Barcelona could be drawing to a close after just one season. Reports indicate that the club is open to selling the veteran midfielder, as interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar intensifies. With Barcelona’s financial constraints and the arrival of new manager Hansi Flick, Gundogan’s future at the Camp Nou looks increasingly uncertain.
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Return to Manchester City
One potential destination for Gundogan is a return to Manchester City, the club where he enjoyed tremendous success before moving to Barcelona. According to sources, Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing the German international back to the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola, who played a crucial role in Gundogan’s development at City, reportedly sees him as an ideal fit to reinforce City’s midfield depth, particularly after the injury to exciting young Norwegian Oscar Bobb.
Gundogan’s familiarity with Guardiola’s system and his ability to control the tempo of matches make him an attractive option for City. Despite being 33-years-old, Gundogan’s experience, leadership, and ability to perform in crucial moments — as demonstrated in City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022/23 — are qualities that could prove invaluable as City continue to compete on multiple fronts. Additionally, a return to the Premier League would allow Gundogan to remain at the top level of European football, something he is reportedly keen to maintain.
A New Challenge in Qatar: Al Sadd
Another potential option for Gundogan is a move to Qatar, with Al Sadd showing strong interest in securing his services. Al Sadd, one of the most successful clubs in the Qatari Stars League, is keen to bring in high-profile European players to boost the league’s profile ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup legacy projects. For Gundogan, this move would represent a new challenge in a rapidly developing football environment.
A transfer to Qatar would likely be financially lucrative for Gundogan, offering him a significant salary package as well as the chance to be a marquee player in the region. Al Sadd’s ambition to dominate both domestically and continentally in the AFC Champions League could be a compelling factor, allowing Gundogan to continue playing at a competitive level while also taking on a leadership role within a team looking to make its mark internationally.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Al Nassr
Lastly, Gundogan has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Nassr reportedly among the clubs interested in signing him. Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, is part of the Saudi Pro League’s broader strategy to attract top-tier talent to the kingdom. Following the high-profile acquisitions of players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté by other Saudi clubs, Al Nassr’s interest in Gundogan fits into this pattern of bringing world-class players to the Middle East.
While a move to Saudi Arabia would offer Gundogan a considerable payday, it would also place him at the centre of a burgeoning football revolution in the region. The Saudi Pro League is rapidly growing in stature, and Gundogan’s presence would further elevate its profile. However, this move would likely signal the winding down of his career at the highest level, something that could weigh heavily on his decision.
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