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FC Barcelona v AS Monaco - Trofeu Joan GamperGetty Images Sport

Barcelona make shock Ilkay Gundogan decision as midfielder edges closer to sensational Manchester City reunion with Pep Guardiola

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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
ExpressVPN

Pro

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.


Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Basic

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.


Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.


Over 28 monthsSave 73%

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Gundogan eyeing a Man City return
  • Barcelona ready to offload the midfielder
  • Pep Guardiola is willing to welcome him back
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have decided to let Gundogan leave on a free transfer, a move that could see the Germany international retrace his steps back to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola has already approved his return and the Cityzens are now working on details of the deal with the player's agent to wrap up the transfer as quickly as possible.

  • Ilkay Gundogan Manchester City 2022-23Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A significant factor influencing Gundogan’s potential departure from Barcelona is his role under new head coach Hansi Flick. Since taking over the managerial reins, Flick has implemented a high-intensity playing style that emphasizes pressing and attacking from advanced positions. This tactical shift has led to questions about Gundogan’s suitability within the squad, particularly with the arrival of new signing Dani Olmo, who is expected to play a pivotal role in Flick’s system. Reports also suggest that Gundogan and Flick held discussions last Thursday, during which the manager could not guarantee the German star a regular starting spot.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Despite Flick’s insistence that the decision is purely tactical, the underlying financial constraints facing Barcelona may also have played a part in this development. The Catalan giants have been grappling with financial difficulties for several seasons, and the need to balance their books has become increasingly urgent. Gundogan’s hefty salary, estimated at around €20 million per year (£17m/$22.16m), has made him a prime candidate for departure. His wage accounts for over five per cent of Barcelona’s total salary expenditure, categorizing him as a 'franchise player'—a status that the club can ill afford given their current financial situation.

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  • FBL-ESP-LIGA-REAL MADRID-BARCELONAAFP

    WHAT NEXT FOR GUNDOGAN?

    By offloading Gundogan, Barcelona could potentially free up around €14 million (£12m/$16m) in their fair play budget. This financial relief would allow the club to reinvest up to 70 per cent of these savings into acquiring new players, a crucial factor as they aim to register and integrate new signings like Dani Olmo. For City, the return of a proven leader and playmaker could be the key to continued success as they aim to lift their fifth successive Premier League title.