Manchester City is in advanced talks to re-sign midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year contract with the option of an additional year. The 33-year-old has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar in order to return to City. This move would come as a boost for the club after Sky Sports News reported that Gundogan had been given permission to leave Barcelona due to their need to reduce player wages.
Manchester City Poised to Re-Acquire Ilkay Gundogan Amidst Contract Negotiations
Premier League giants Manchester City have reportedly entered advanced talks with former midfielder Ilkay Gundogan over a potential return to the Etihad Stadium. According to credible sources, the club is eager to re-sign the German international on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Gundogan, a crucial cog in City's midfield during his previous stint from 2016 to 2022, has reportedly rejected lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prioritize a return to the Sky Blues. The German's decision is a testament to the strong bond he forged with the club and its supporters during his first spell in Manchester.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Gundogan's move would provide a significant boost to City's midfield, which has faced some injury concerns in recent weeks. The 33-year-old's experience, leadership, and technical ability would add depth and quality to Pep Guardiola's squad.
Barcelona, the club Gundogan joined as a free agent last summer, is reportedly willing to part ways with the midfielder as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce player wages and comply with La Liga's financial regulations.
Background on Ilkay Gundogan's Time at Manchester City
Gundogan joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. He was an integral part of City's Premier League title-winning seasons in 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2020-21.
The German international made a total of 271 appearances for City, scoring 51 goals and providing 34 assists. He was a versatile midfielder who could play in several positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and on the wings.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers Related to Ilkay Gundogan and Manchester City
Q: When did Gundogan leave Manchester City? A: Gundogan left Manchester City in June 2022 after his contract expired.
Q: Why did Gundogan leave Manchester City? A: Gundogan left Manchester City to seek a new challenge and to join former Borussia Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland at Barcelona.
Q: What position does Gundogan play? A: Gundogan primarily plays as a central midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder and on the wings.
Q: How many goals did Gundogan score for Manchester City? A: Gundogan scored 51 goals for Manchester City in 271 appearances.
Q: What is the current status of Gundogan's contract negotiations with Manchester City? A: Gundogan is reportedly in advanced talks with Manchester City over a potential one-year contract with the option for an additional year.
Sharath Jois, the celebrated Ashtanga yoga maestro and grandson of Krishna Pattabhi Jois, tragically passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack during a hike in Virginia. The renowned teacher, who was carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, was with a group of students at the time of the incident, which occurred near the University of Virginia's campus in Charlottesville. Despite efforts to revive him, Jois was declared dead after emergency responders arrived.
Despite approaching 38 years of age, Usman Khawaja has proven himself as a vital member of Australia's cricket team. Former captain Tim Paine has expressed his confidence in Khawaja's ability to continue representing his country, citing his impressive form and consistency as an opener. Paine believes that age is just a number for the talented batsman, who has been one of the best in the world at his position for the past two years.
Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi has reclaimed the top spot in ICC ODI rankings after his impressive showing in the recent series against Australia. Along with Afridi, teammate Haris Rauf also jumped to a career-high 13th position in the rankings. Despite being demoted in their central contracts, Afridi and Rauf have proved their worth on the field, with Rauf also earning the Player of the Series award. Afridi's journey to the top has not been without setbacks, including a controversy during the T20 World Cup and losing the captaincy after one series loss. Rauf, on the other hand, had refused to play for Pakistan and his central contract was terminated before being restored.
After a tough loss in the quarter-final stage of the AFC Asian Cup, the Australian men's national soccer team, the Socceroos, are gearing up for their next challenge: qualifying for the World Cup in 2026. With their next match against Saudi Arabia on November 14th in Melbourne, the team knows that this game is crucial in securing their spot in the World Cup. With Japan already securing the top spot, it will be a fierce battle between Australia and Saudi Arabia for the second spot. Stay tuned to The Sporting News for all the latest updates and analysis on the Socceroos' journey to the World Cup.
The inaugural Women’s U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia, will see India and Pakistan battling it out in the same group. The tournament will include six teams, divided into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. The tournament will commence on December 15, with the hosts facing Sri Lanka in the opening game. India and Pakistan are set to clash on the same day while the top two teams from each group will compete in the Super Four round on December 19 and 20.
With the highly anticipated return of ICC Champions Trophy after 8 years, a resurfaced video has added fuel to the ongoing rift between Pakistan and India. The video shows the infamous incident of 1997 where Indian players walked off the field after reported incidents of stone pelting by the Pakistani crowd. This has only heightened the concerns for the upcoming tournament in Pakistan and raised questions about the security of Indian team.
The BCCI has informed the ICC that the Indian team will not be participating in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, allegedly due to political directives. This decision has sparked outrage on social media, with memes poking fun at the Jay Shah-led ICC and criticism for being selective in patriotic stances. While the PCB chairman has ruled out a hybrid model for the series, fans have suggested expanding the Wagah border or creating a replica stadium for an India vs Pakistan match.
As India prepares for the deciding fourth T20I against South Africa, the team is facing concerns over Rinku Singh's batting slot and approach. However, with a history of success at the Wanderers 'Bull Ring', the Indian team remains confident of a collective batting effort to secure the series. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, fresh off a record-breaking victory in the last T20I series in South Africa, will look to continue his impressive track record. However, the dip in form of T20 expert Rinku Singh may prove to be a hindrance in India's plans to emerge victorious.
Following their recent ODI series win, Pakistan will aim to continue their hot streak in the first T20I match against Australia. However, the hosts will be determined to redeem themselves after a devastating ODI loss and prove their focus on the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy. With a slightly inexperienced Australian side, Pakistan can stay hopeful of claiming victory once again. Cricket fans can catch the action on TV as the match will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
After a strong start in the Women's Big Bash League, the Sydney Sixers suffered a tough loss against Sydney Thunder. With a record of three wins and three losses, they will be vying for a win against Brisbane Heat, who ended their own losing streak in the last match. The match will be held at the North Sydney Oval, a difficult venue for chasing teams, making the toss crucial for the outcome. Despite the Heat's recent win, the Sixers are expected to come out on top with their star-studded lineup featuring players like Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.