Barcelona have decided to let superstar leave the club for free, PL club working on deal to sign him - Reports

Barcelona have reached a decision to allow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan leave the club for free this summer, with Manchester City interested in re-signing him. The German midfielder will cease being a Culer after just one season playing for the Spanish giants.

Manchester City lost Gundogan at the end of their treble-winning campaign in the 2022-23 season. The midfielder decided against signing an extension with the English champions, favoring a move to Barcelona instead. The 33-year-old signed a three-year deal with a hefty €400 million release clause with the Spanish side.

Barcelona are struggling with finances and are looking for solutions after failing to raise money through player sales. As a result, they are working on the exits of some of their highest earners to free up space on their wage bill to register new players.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the club have decided on Ilkay Gundogan as one of the players to be cut from their squad.

Manchester City have identified an opportunity in the situation and are prepared to make a move to sign the former Borussia Dortmund man. Pep Guardiola has given his go-ahead to the move, and Gundogan's representatives are already in England for talks on the deal.

Gundogan left the Etihad Stadium as captain when Guardiola was reluctant to let him go, and the manager will be thrilled with his return. The experienced midfielder has had offers from Saudi Arabia, as well as elsewhere in Europe, to continue his career there.

Ilkay Gundogan will leave Barcelona having scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 51 appearances in the 2023-24 season. New Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick will not get a chance to work with the midfielder, who he is familiar with from the national team.

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Barcelona star announces retirement from international football

Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has announced his decision to retire from international football with the German national team with immediate effect. The 33-year-old retires as the captain of the team, having led them in the European Championship on home soil this summer. Die Mannschaft were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual winners Spain.

Gundogan made his announcement via social media, referring to the opportunity to captain the team at Euro 2024 as the highlight of his time with the team. He made his debut in 2011 and played 82 times for his country.

Gundogan was appointed as captain of the national team last year by manager Julian Nagelsmann, and he led the team admirably at Euro 2024. The midfielder was benched throughout Euro 2012 and missed Euro 2016 through injury before featuring in Euro 2020.

Ilkay Gundogan has joined the likes of Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos in bringing an end to their international career after Euro 2024.