Ilkay Gundogan shirt number options amid 'imminent' Manchester City transfer

Manchester City look set to bring Ilkay Gundogan back to the Etihad Stadium, a mere 14 months after his departure to Barcelona.

However, he will be assigned a new shirt number as Mateo Kovacic has since claimed the No.8 jersey that Gundogan previously wore. Gundogan was a consistent presence for Barcelona last season, starting in 33 La Liga games and nine Champions League matches.

However, he was placed on a 10-man transfer list at the Nou Camp earlier this month, with Barcelona's management approving his exit. As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Gundogan's return to City is imminent.

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The midfield maestro held discussions with his former club on Monday and personally reached out to City manager Pep Guardiola to speed up the negotiations. During his seven-season stint at the Etihad Stadium, Gundogan consistently wore the No. 8 shirt and was even appointed permanent captain ahead of his final season.

However, he won't be reclaiming his old jersey from Kovacic, who played the full match and scored a goal as City triumphed over Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday. Instead, Gundogan may have to opt between the No. 21 and the No.22.

The 33-year-old has predominantly worn the No.21 shirt throughout his international career with Germany and also donned the same number during his inaugural season at Borussia Dortmund.

The veteran previously donned the No. 22 during his three-year tenure with Dortmund and was given the same number upon signing a contract with Barcelona. He previously played in the No. 35 shirt at Bochum, which is