Ilkay Gundogan issues biggest hint yet at Manchester City return following Pep Guardiola talks | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City could yet welcome Ilkay Gundogan to the Etihad Stadium for a third time, the German midfielder has revealed.

Having only left the Premier League in the summer, Gundogan’s latest comments have added further weight to the growing belief that his story with Manchester City is far from over, but perhaps only away from the playing surface.

The 34-year-old departed Manchester for a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer at the end of the summer window, bringing to an end his second stint at the Etihad Stadium after a one-year return from Barcelona.

Gundogan remains one of the most decorated and respected players in City’s modern history, with the former club captain making 358 appearances, scoring 65 goals, and lifting 14 major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League Treble in 2023.

His influence under Pep Guardiola extended beyond the pitch, often viewed as an on-field extension of the manager’s tactical vision and leadership principles. In recent months, Gundogan has been open about his continued affection for both the club and city of Manchester, repeatedly hinting at a possible reunion in future.

Following his emotional farewell letter published by the Manchester Evening News and a touching final interview with Manchester City’s official website, the midfielder’s latest revelation offers perhaps the clearest signal yet of what that reunion could look like.

Speaking during a new podcast with The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Gundogan has been quizzed on reports of talks taking place between himself and Pep Guardiola in the past and the former Germany international become the Manchester City boss’ assistant in the dugout.

“Very seriously [discussed], to be honest with you! I really considered [it], I already started, I already finished doing my first badge, I will do the other ones as well,” Gundogan revealed.

The now-Galatasaray central midfielder continued, “It just feels natural to me, to go into that space. Obviously I’m still enjoying playing actively, but I know that this is going to end one day.”

These revelations come just weeks after reports suggested City’s hierarchy are already considering offering Gundogan a coaching role once his playing career concludes, with his tactical intelligence, leadership, and deep understanding of Guardiola’s philosophy making him an ideal candidate to join the club’s backroom setup in the years ahead.

Speculation is likely to intensify over the coming seasons as Guardiola’s own future continues to draw questions, with his contract running until 2027. Should Gundogan choose to step into coaching by then, the idea of the two reuniting in Manchester would appeal to both parties.

For now, Ilkay Gundogan’s focus remains on his Galatasaray adventure and Champions League football, but his words make clear that his connection with Manchester City endures, and the door remains firmly open for his eventual return.