Man City exploring possibility of shock reunion with Ilkay Gundogan - after German star said he 'wants immediate return to Etihad' having been frozen out at Barcelona

Manchester City are exploring the possibility of a blockbuster reunion with Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan left the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer last year but after just 12 months, is open to leaving the Nou Camp.

City have maintained all summer that they are happy with the current squad and any transfer business is likely to come from an unexpected developing situation later in the window.

The potential of Gundogan departing Catalonia only arose over the weekend, with the 33-year-old already having interest from clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia – including Al Nassr, home of Cristiano Ronaldo, Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mane.

Pep Guardiola intimated last week that he was hoping for a reinforcement following Julian Alvarez's move to Atletico Madrid, while the Premier League champions have struggled to find a suitable back-up for Rodri in defensive midfield.

Mateo Kovacic deputised in that position during the 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday and Gundogan would also fit the bill of being capable of playing anywhere in central midfield.

The Germany international was Guardiola's first signing as manager and spent seven years at City, ending as captain during the Treble campaign in 2023.

Gundogan met up with his old teammates and manager before a pre-season friendly between the two sides in Orlando just over a fortnight ago.

Barca also took Joao Cancelo on loan last term and the Portuguese is searching for new employers after not being included in either of Guardiola's squad so far.

Cancelo is on a shortlist at Al-Hilal along with current captain Kyle Walker and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.

The Barcelona man has been frozen out at Barcelona after making the move there last summer following a glittering last season with Pep Guardiola's men which saw him win a historic treble.

He only signed a deal lasting two years when he ended his seven-year stay at the Etihad, however, and is now into the final year of his contract. 

According to Spanish publication Sport, the German international has reportedly informed the club he wants to move on from the LaLiga heavyweights after being left out of the side for their 2-1 win over Valencia.

And his preferred destination could be a snappy return to Manchester after failing to kick on following his departure from the club. 

Indeed, Guardiola is reportedly 'open' to reuniting with his former stalwart, the Sun reports, as the Spaniard hunts for reinforcements after a long-term injury to forward Oscar Bobb.

The 33-year-old has endured a tough spell at the Spanish giants, scoring just five goals in 51 appearances and undergoing his first trophy-less season in seven years.

Barcelona have brought in Euro 2024 star Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig in the same position as the ex-City man but manager and compatriot Hansi Flick said he expects Gundogan to stay in LaLiga.

'I think he's gonna end up staying at Barca,' he said.

'He was out tonight as he had some discomfort. 

'I spoke to Ilkay, but that stays between us as it's private conversation.'

The report from Sport claims the midfielder told the coaching staff that he has had 'enough' and is hoping all parties can help him find an exit from the club.

As to where the 33-year-old may land next, the report claims he has several admirers in Turkey as well as in Saudi Arabia.

One man who appears intent on signing Gundogan is Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho.

The 61-year-old took up the post at Fenerbahce in June and has already been active in the transfer market, with Caglar Soyuncu, Cenk Tosun and Youssef En-Nesyri all moving on permanent deals while he snapped up Allan Saint-Maximin on loan from Al-Ahli.

The report says Mourinho is prepared to go to extreme lengths to land Gundogan, such is his desire to bring him to Fenerbahce.