Manchester City have officially announced the re-signing of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan signed a one-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions with the option to extend for an additional 12 months.
Gundogan, a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad during his first stint with Manchester City from 2016 to 2023, left the club to join Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.
Now, at 33 years old, he returns to the Etihad Stadium after achieving tremendous success in his previous stint with the EPL giants where he won 14 trophies and scored 60 goals in 304 appearances.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this return to City, Ilkay Gundogan said, “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch. Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Gundogan’s departure from Barcelona was primarily influenced by the club’s financial constraints, as they struggled to accommodate new signing Dani Olmo. His departure as one of the highest earners will assist Barcelona in adhering to La Liga’s spending restrictions.
Acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his departure, Gundogan conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Barcelona. He wrote on Instagram, “I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”
Gundogan declared his retirement from international football after Germany’s elimination by Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. He made 82 appearances for the national team before he retired from international football.
