In an exciting turn of events, Manchester City is considering bringing Ilkay Gundogan back to the Etihad Stadium following reports that his time at Barcelona may be coming to an end after just one season. The decision-makers at City, including manager Pep Guardiola, have expressed their desire to see the Germany international midfielder return to the club.

While there are still some factors to be considered and dealings with Barcelona are known to be complex, all parties involved seem to be aligned in their intentions. City wants to bring Gundogan back, the player himself is eager to return, and Barcelona is open to letting him go.

Gundogan's potential return to Manchester City has sparked excitement among the fans, who have fond memories of his impressive performance during his first spell at the club. However, some may question why Barcelona would be willing to part ways with a player of Gundogan's caliber just 14 months after signing him. But given Barcelona's recent inconsistencies, it could be attributed more to the club itself rather than the player.

The situation is further complicated by the arrival of Dani Olmo, a Spanish international midfielder, who was signed by Barcelona for €60 million. Olmo, seven years younger than Gundogan at 26, is expected to play in a similar position, although he has yet to be registered.

There is a possibility that Gundogan could even leave for free due to the intricate situation he finds himself in. However, it is worth noting that similar complications arose between Barcelona and City in the past, as highlighted by Lionel Messi's almost move to the English club in 2020.

While a swift return to Manchester is not yet confirmed, the pieces seem to be falling into place. The move would be mutually beneficial for both Gundogan and Manchester City. The only concern revolves around City's previous hesitance to offer the midfielder a two-year contract, which ultimately led to his departure at the end of his previous deal. Gundogan will turn 34 in October, and it remains to be seen if his physical abilities can match his mental strength, especially if he is deployed in a demanding role like Rodri's.

In a positive development, Gundogan recently announced his retirement from international duty, which may help mitigate concerns regarding potential fatigue. Furthermore, City's transfer policy for this summer window focuses on adding a holding midfielder and a striker without splurging on big-money signings or players with high demands for playing time.

City believes they already have a sufficient number of top-level players vying for regular game time and is cautious about destabilizing team dynamics. A new addition would essentially serve as a backup for Rodri or Erling Haaland, while also providing valuable contributions in the latter stages of matches.

Gundogan's potential return to City provides a solution to their midfield requirements, particularly as the player demonstrated his versatility by excelling in a deeper role last season. While it is uncertain if he would feature as prominently as before, Gundogan's awareness of the situation suggests he would be open to accepting a reduced playing time, knowing he could still contribute to City's success.

The prospect of reuniting with Guardiola and playing at the highest level in the Premier League could be an enticing opportunity for Gundogan, especially as his time at Barcelona seems to be less than ideal. His original move to Spain was intended to be a crowning moment in his career, providing new experiences and a warmer climate. However, recent murmurs suggested that the move was not working out as expected.

While the deal is not yet finalized, it seems like a move that makes sense for all parties involved. City fans would certainly welcome Gundogan's return, considering his pivotal role in the team's achievements, including crucial goals in the FA Cup final and securing the Premier League title. Furthermore, Gundogan's previous tenure as captain at City, along with his popularity among teammates, would ensure a seamless reintegration into the club's dressing room.

The negotiations are still ongoing, but one thing is clear: a potential return for Gundogan to Manchester City appears to be a no-brainer. As the summer transfer window enters its final stages, City's pursuit of the midfielder aligns with their strategy of bolstering the squad without upsetting its dynamic, creating an ideal scenario for all parties involved.