Pep Guardiola APPROVES spectacular Man City transfer - Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Aug 2024 09:41 BST
3 min read

Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Man City, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Pep Guardiola has endorsed Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Barcelona superstar is on the way out. Just a few weeks ago, talks of a potential exit were rubbished by the player's camp, with his uncle and agent saying that he is going nowhere this summer.

Things have moved quickly, however, and Barcelona are desperate to get the former Germany captain off their books. The Blaugrana, having signed Dani Olmo for €62 million, need to shift big earners to be able to register players for LaLiga.

In recent days, talks with Gundogan have taken place and the 33-year-old agreed to leave the club after just one season. The midfielder has suitors in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. Crucially, however, he also still has admirers at Man City.

Pep wants Gundogan

On Monday, it was revealed that Man City were keeping an eye on the situation of their club legend and that they had discussed the possibility of re-signing him after his one-year sojourn to Barcelona.

Now, Fabrizio Romano claims that head coach Pep Guardiola has given his seal of approval to Gundogan's triumphant return to the Etihad. The Spaniard wants his former star to play a part in what is expected to be the boss' final season in Manchester.

Man City are looking for reinforcements after the club-record sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for up to €95 million and the injury to Oscar Bobb, which will likely keep him out of action until January.

According to Romano, Gundogan has yet to make a decision on whether he wants to return to Man City or whether he wants to head to the Middle East. Barcelona are expected to allow the 33-year-old to leave the club on a free transfer despite his contract running until 2026.