Ilkay Gundogan set for Man City return after reportedly agreeing to leave Barcelona

Manchester City and Ilkay Gundogan look set to be reunited.

The former Germany midfielder was pictured at the airport on Wednesday and was reportedly catching a flight from Barcelona to Manchester to wrap up his return to City on a one-year deal, with the option of another 12 months.

Neither City nor Barcelona have commented publicly on any deal for the 33-year-old Gundogan.

Gundogan left City after the 2022-23 season, during which he was captain of the team that won the Premier League-FA Cup-Champions League treble. He spent seven years at the English club but decided to move to Barcelon a for a new challenge, and was one of Xavi Hernández’s favorite players during his sole season with the Catalan club.

But Barcelona’s delicate economic situation appears to have forced the new coach, Hansi Flick, to part ways with the veteran playmaker.

Gundogan’s exit should help Barcelona register new midfielder Dani Olmo, which it has so far been unable to do because of the Spanish league’s financial rules that make clubs balance expenditures on wages and transfers with available assets.

In addition to Olmo, Barcelona also has depth in the creative midfield positions with Pedri González, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin López and, once he recovers from his serious leg injury, Gavi Páez.

Gundogan was Germany’s captain at the recent European Championship. He retired from international duty this week.

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Associated Press writer Joseph Wilson contributed to this story.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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