İlkay Gündogan's career seems to have taken an unexpected turn in just a matter of weeks. After it became known that Pep Guardiola doesn't count on him for next season at Manchester City, the German midfielder of Turkish descent has started listening to offers.
He is looking to sign the last major contract of his career. At 34 and still able to compete at the highest level, there is no shortage of offers in Europe.
What is surprising is that among his offers, a name has emerged that immediately generates controversy in Barcelona. It's not Barça, which once enjoyed his quality and leadership, but rather the eternal city rival.
An unexpected opportunity
The new owners of Espanyol are determined to make a splash in the market. RCD Espanyol is now owned by Velocity Sport Limited. This is an English investment group led by Alan Pace.
In addition to being the new owner of Espanyol, he also owns Burnley FC. His relationships with the Premier League are excellent.
His strategy is to strengthen the club with internationally renowned players who can help bring the Perico club back to the forefront. Thanks to his contacts in the Premier League, they have opened negotiations with Gündogan after it was confirmed that City is looking to move him on.
Espanyol's idea is clear: sign him for two seasons, which would be the last of his professional career. The club understands that this is a unique opportunity to bring in a Champions-level footballer, capable of leading an ambitious project.
Gündogan's vision
Those close to the player don't hide that the option is appealing to him. Gündogan lived in Barcelona for a year during his time at Barça.
Both he and his family quickly adapted to the city. Personally, he believes that returning to the Catalan capital would be comfortable and attractive, regardless of the club.
The rivalry factor, which Barça fans would see as a betrayal, doesn't worry him much. For Gündogan, it's about ending his career in a top league, enjoying a city that left a mark on him, and playing a leading role on the field.
The anger of Barcelona fans
Obviously, the news hasn't gone over well among the culé community. Seeing the former Barça leader wearing the blue and white would be an emotional blow.
The German arrived at Barça from City. He left a great impression both in the locker room and among the fans, so imagining him at Espanyol is something difficult to accept.
However, the player himself doesn't seem to give it much importance. His career is coming to an end and what he is looking for is stability, comfort for his family, and the chance to keep competing. In that sense, the Perico offer meets all the requirements.
Guardiola closes the door on him
The starting point for this move has been Guardiola's decision not to count on him. After a year marked by ups and downs, the coach believes that Gündogan's cycle at City is over. The exit is inevitable and, far from the option of Arabia or Germany, Spain is emerging as an unexpected destination.
If his signing for Espanyol is finally completed, the media impact would be enormous. Not so much for football reasons, but for the symbolism of seeing him at Barça's eternal rival. For many, it would be remembered as a true betrayal.