Real Madrid rejected Manchester City icon before his move to Barcelona – report | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan has been the talk of the town in Spain over the past 24 hours as he nears a departure from Real Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona.

The 33-year-old former Manchester City captain and icon joined the Blaugrana only last year but is being forced out due to their financial woes and struggles to register players.

Gundogan was offered to Real Madrid first

With all the speculations swirling around Gundogan and his future, Jose Felix Diaz of MARCA has now come out with a report claiming that the German midfielder was offered to Real Madrid before his move to Barcelona last summer.

Indeed, according to the journalist, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe were provided with an opportunity to sign Gundogan last year when he left Manchester City as a free agent.

Gundogan was offered to Real Madrid before he joined Barcelona. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Real Madrid rejected the chance to secure the 33-year-old’s services and he ended up signing for Barcelona.

Gundogan is a top footballer and enjoyed a solid debut campaign in La Liga with Barcelona in 2023/24.

But given the sheer quality and options already available at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal in the midfield department it made sense for Real Madrid to not sign him last year.

Jose Felix Diaz’s report further adds that ‘nothing has changed’ with regard to Los Blancos’ interest, or lack thereof, in Gundogan as he is set to be available for a transfer again this summer.

As things stand, the veteran German, who has previously praised Real Madrid for their success and mentality, appears likely to return to Manchester City for another stint.