MANCHESTER CITY are edging closer to sealing the return of former star Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.
But what might be a dream for the German midfielder, could be a nightmare for his wife Sara.
Gundogan only left Man City last summer as he swapped murky Manchester for sunny Spain in a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.
But the 33-year-old looks set to call and end to his brief spell in Catalonia, having made 51 appearances and registered 19 goal contributions.
Gundogan is expected to pen a one-year deal at the Etihad Stadium with an option to extend for a further year.
Gundogan, who retired from international football this week, spent seven years playing for City and living in Manchester from 2016 to 2023.
But a homecoming might not be to the taste of wife Sara, who was by his side for that time, with the 29-year-old previously admitting she hated the food in Manchester.
Taking to Instagram in 2022, the French born model wrote: “Sorry, I’m sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but horrible food everywhere.
“Can’t find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food… everything frozen.
“Restaurants here are focus on making money with drinks and shots like nightclubs, not quality food. Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I’m sorry.”
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Sara’s gastro rant had the potential to be awkward back then with Man City boss Pep Guardiola actually owning a tapas restaurant called Tast in the area.
However, Sara may be able to overcome her tastebud issues in favour of Gundogan’s return to the top with Man City.
Sara, who works as a model and TV presenter, admitted she has actually been missing the north of England while soaking up the sun in Barcelona.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained: “I think it’s really hard to live in England when you are alone in the house and you can’t meet anyone.
“But when you start to know a bit more about it, how to go around and have friends, I think the place changes completely and you can enjoy it.
“I started to enjoy everything and I kind of miss Manchester now.”
Gundogan will return to Man City having previously won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the Cityzens.
He will be hoping to add to his impressive tally of 60 goals and 38 assists in his 304 appearances for the Etihad outfit.
