İlkay Gündoğan is once again in the spotlight in the transfer market after a difficult year at Manchester City. The German midfielder of Turkish descent, who already wore Barça's jersey in 2023-24, was determined to find a new destination. He has done so with a twist that few could have imagined, as his return to Spain is now official.
At 34 years old, Gündoğan is looking to sign the last major contract of his football career. Pep Guardiola recently told him that he was not part of City's plans, speeding up the need to finalize a new deal. Among all the offers, he has chosen one that inevitably sparks controversy in Barcelona.
An unexpected outcome in his career
For months, the footballer considered different possibilities in European soccer. In Germany, some Bundesliga clubs explored signing him, but there was no financial agreement. Lucrative offers came from Saudi Arabia, although the player did not want to leave top-level soccer yet.
In Italy, there was also interest from teams like Juventus, which saw him as an experienced reinforcement. Gündoğan was clear that his personal preference was to return to the city where his family was happy. Barcelona was on his horizon, although the FC Barcelona option was no longer on the table.
His time as a culé was brief but intense, leaving a mark in the locker room and among part of the fans. However, the club's financial circumstances and its commitment to young talent prevented his continuity. Now, a year later, he returns to Spain intending to end his career in a familiar environment.
The project that convinced him
The contract offered to the midfielder is for two seasons, with a guaranteed leading role. On a sporting level, the proposal ensures that he will be a key piece in the midfield of the new project. On a personal level, the stability offered by the city of Barcelona was decisive in his choice.
Sources close to him say that Gündoğan did not hesitate to prioritize his family's well-being above all else. Financially, he will receive a competitive salary, although far from the amounts Saudi Arabia could guarantee him. What truly attracted him was being able to compete at the highest European level until the end of his career.
The news has caused a huge impact in the blaugrana environment. Seeing such a recent former player return to the city, but wearing different colors, generates outrage. For many fans, it is a sporting and emotional betrayal that is hard to digest.
Gündoğan, however, doesn't share that view. Those close to him point out that he sees this decision as purely professional. His goal is to finish his career with a leading role and in a top-level championship, regardless of the jersey.
The enemy revealed
According to Madrid-Barcelona.com, İlkay Gündoğan's chosen destination is none other than RCD Espanyol. The eternal city rival has managed to close his signing to strengthen an ambitious project under new owners.
The German will sign for two seasons and will become the main reference for the Pericos in their return to the elite. For Barcelona fans, it will be an emotional blow to see their former leader wearing the blue and white jersey. In the Catalan capital, people are already talking about the most painful betrayal in recent years.