As supporters eagerly anticipate Ilkay Gündogan's official unveiling at Barcelona, let's speculate about the shirt number he's likely to wear at his new club.
The German international sports 21 for the DFB Team while he wore the number 8 for Manchester City for seven years, earning five Premier League titles and two FA Cups. The captain topped off his Sky Blues career with the Champions League title and subsequent treble in his last season.
He signed for the Blaugrana on a free transfer earlier this week. He'll play at Camp Nou for two seasons with the option for one more year with a buyout clause of $438 million attached.
Is Gündogan set to inherit Busquets' Number 5 shirt?
While Gündogan's preferred jersey numbers, 8 and 21, are already in Pedri and Frenkie de Jong's hands, rumors are circulating about what would be the perfect fit for him.
Kit numbers are scarce in Xavi Hernandez's squad, with eight numbers up for contention. Yet, Gündogan does have some hope in acquiring the iconic number 5 shirt from Sergio Busquets.
The Spaniard emerged as the second ex-Blaugrana luminary to join the ranks of MLS side Inter Miami. Busquets opted against renewing his contract at Spotify Camp Nou, thus departing as a free agent following a legendary 15-year stint at the club.
The number 5 suits Gündogan. The elastic midfielder is in the leadership mold of Busquets, both acting as a coach on the field as former captains of their clubs.
The number 18 is also an option, as Jordi Alba could be on his way to Inter Miami.
What number would you like to see Gündogan wear in the Barcelona shirt?
Photo: Instagram/ilkayguendogan + Instagram/fcbarcelona
