Ilkay Gundogan Opens Door to Nuremberg Return: ‘Everything Is Possible’

Ilkay Gundogan, the 35-year-old Germany international and current Galatasaray midfielder, has openly discussed a possible return to 1. FC Nuremberg, the club where his senior career began. In an interview with Sky Germany, Gundogan said he could imagine returning “one day” in a playing, coaching or sporting director capacity, raising speculation about a future link between the former Manchester City star and the 2. Bundesliga side.

Gundogan, who is under contract with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the summer of 2027, made his professional debut for Nuremberg in August 2009. He spent two seasons with Der Club before moving to Borussia Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp, where he won a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. His subsequent career included a decade at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, a short spell at Barcelona, and captaining Germany at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

Why this matters for Nuremberg and German football

For Nuremberg fans, Gundogan’s statement is more than a sentimental nod. The club currently competes in Bundesliga 2 under head coach Miroslav Klose, the 2014 World Cup winner who took charge in 2024. While Klose is still early in his managerial career, Gundogan’s hint at a future role – whether as a player or in the front office – suggests the former Germany captain feels a strong attachment to the club that launched him.

Gundogan’s contract in Istanbul means any immediate move is unlikely, but the door is clearly open for a return after his playing days in Turkey end. He has made over 700 senior club and international appearances, and at 35, his playing career at the top level is winding down. A move to a smaller league or a second-division club later in his career is plausible, especially if he wants to give back to his first club.

What Gundogan actually said

“I still have a very close connection to Nuremberg because the club means a lot to me,” Gundogan told Sky Germany. “I’m very grateful to the club and the city. I can definitely imagine returning one day, in whatever role that may be.”

He added that a return could take several forms: “Whether it’s for one or two years as a player, or later as a sporting director or coach, everything is possible.” This open-endedness makes the statement significant – it is not just a retirement plan but an active consideration, though no timeline or concrete negotiations have been reported.

The Galatasaray context

Gundogan joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2024 on a three-year deal. He has been a regular in midfield for the Istanbul side, contributing experience and leadership. The Turkish club are in the middle of their season, and Gundogan’s focus remains on his current contract. However, his comments will be noted by Nuremberg’s sporting directors, who may start planning for a future where their former star returns to help the club aim for promotion back to the Bundesliga.

Nuremberg have not been in the top flight since 2019. Under Klose, they are rebuilding and currently sit mid-table in Bundesliga 2. A player of Gundogan’s quality, even in the latter stages of his career, could make a significant impact in the second division. Alternatively, his experience in top-level club structures could make him a valuable sporting director candidate.

Key facts

What this means for fans and the wider market

For readers of FootballGames10, this story is a reminder that football careers rarely follow a straight line. Players who leave a club as teenagers often maintain emotional ties, and Gundogan’s case is no exception. While it is not a transfer rumor in the traditional sense – no fee, no contract offer – it is a clear signal that Nuremberg should prepare for his eventual return.

For Galatasaray supporters, there is no immediate worry. Gundogan remains a key part of the squad, and his comments are about the longer-term future. For Nuremberg supporters, the prospect of seeing their former hero back in the red and black – even for a season – is a compelling narrative. The club has a history of bringing back former players as leaders, and Gundogan fits that profile perfectly.

The story also touches on a broader trend: top players increasingly considering technical director or coaching roles after retirement. Gundogan, known for his tactical intelligence, could become a major asset for Nuremberg’s backroom staff, much like other former pros such as Sebastian Kehl or Max Eberl.

Caveats

It is important to note that Gundogan’s statement is an expression of openness, not a formal plan. No offer has been made by Nuremberg, and no decision has been taken. The timeline remains unclear, and his current contract with Galatasaray runs until 2027. For now, the story is best understood as a heartfelt connection to his roots, rather than an imminent move.

Source: Bundesliga.com – “Ilkay Gundogan teases Nuremberg return” (https://www.bundesliga.com/en/2bundesliga/news/ilkay-gundogan-teases-nuremberg-return-galatasaray-38401)