Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to leave the club this summer.
The 33-year-old joined the Catalan giants last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Manchester City, where he spent seven trophy-laden years.
Gundogan quickly established himself as a key member of Barca's first-team squad under former boss Xavi, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.
The Germany international hit the appearance requirements last season to extend his contract by a further 12 months, meaning that he is now tied to Camp Nou until June 2026.
However, speculation has now surfaced suggesting that Gundogan could be set for a swift departure from the La Liga giants, following a conversation with new head coach and compatriot Hansi Flick.
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Gundogan agrees to leave Barcelona after just one season
Gundogan missed Barcelona's opening 2-1 win over Valencia in La Liga on Saturday with concussion, and Flick stated after the match that he expects the midfielder to "stay" at the club amidst speculation about his future.
"I spoke with Gundogan to know how he feels ahead of the season," Flick told reporters. "I know him very well. I appreciate the player and the person he is.
"We spoke about everything but it will stay between us. I have a feeling he will stay."
However, Cadena SER reports that Gundogan has in fact reached an agreement with Barcelona to leave the club this summer following those discussions with Flick.
The report adds that Barca, who are still struggling to balance their books and are yet to register new signing Dani Olmo for the 2024-25 season amid their financial concerns, are working on the idea that Gundogan will not be a member of Flick's first-team squad this term and are waiting for the midfielder to facilitate his departure.
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Could Gundogan make sensational Man City return?
Meanwhile, a separate report from The Athletic claims that Gundogan is exploring his options amid the possibility of leaving Barcelona, with clubs in the Premier League, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all interested in his services.
It is understood that Gundogan wants to make a sensational return to Premier League champions Man City who, in turn, have expressed their interested in luring the midfielder back to the Etihad Stadium.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano goes as far as claiming that the Citizens have now made contact with Gundogan's camp over a potential return for the German.
Gundogan became Pep Guardiola's first signing at Man City back in 2016 and went on to score 60 goals and provide 38 assists in 304 appearances for the Citizens, winning 14 trophies and memorably captaining his side to a historic treble in his final season at the club.
Man City are known to be in the market for a new midfielder after allowing Kalvin Phillips to join Ipswich Town on loan, and the arrival of Gundogan - an experienced player who knows the club inside out - would seemingly appeal to Guardiola.
As well as Man City, Turkish giants Fenerbahce - now managed by Jose Mourinho - have also been credited with an interest in Gundogan, who was born in Gelsenkirchen in Germany to Turkish parents.
Oliver Thomas
