Gündoğan Opts For His Old Number 22 Instead of Busquets' Number 5

Update: Gundogan has been officially registered as FC Barcelona player. Ilkay Gundogan requested to wear his old number 22, and the club fulfilled his request. The number 22 has been Gündogan's number when he made the breakthrough playing for Nürnberg.

Gündoğan in Official La Liga Website

Gündoğan Shirt Number History - 22, 8 & Again 22

Originally, Barcelona offered and wanted Gündoğan to wear the No. 5 of Busquests, but Gündoğan decided differently. In pre-season, Gündoğan wore the number 14.

Barcelona have announced the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, who will be joining the team as a free transfer. However, there is still the question of what number he will wear on his jersey. Thanks to Barca Universal for the information about the free numbers.

Seven Number Options Available For Gündogan Currently

There are only seven options available for Ilkay Gündogan currently. His shirt numbers for Manchester City and Germany, No. 8 and No. 21, are already taken.

LaLiga do not allow pro players to wear numbers above 25

Since Pedri or Frenkie de Jong are unlikely to give up their numbers, Gundogan will have to choose from Numbers 2, 3, 5, 12, 14, 16, and 18. While there are several options, some of them are usually associated with defenders, leaving the No. 5 kit, recently vacated by Sergio Busquets, as a standout option.

Alternatively, the No. 18, which was previously worn by Jordi Alba, also has a rich history with the club.

Which shirt number would you like Gündogan to wear? Let us know in the comments below.