Manchester City reunite with Ilkay Gundogan in surprise transfer
Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a free transfer.
The midfielder returns to Pep Guardiola’s side just a year on from his exit to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old, who spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, rejoins on a one-year contract plus the option of a further year.
Sky Sports News reported on Monday that Gundogan had been told he could leave Barcelona as they look to trade players to reduce their wage bill.
The German only wanted a return to City and ignored interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar because of that.
Gundogan, who retired from international football earlier this week, captained City to a historic Treble before his departure.
He made 304 appearances and scored 60 goals in his first stint at City as he won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Gundogan becomes City’s second summer signing after the arrival of Savinho from French side Troyes in a £33.6m deal.
Gundogan revealed working with the “best manager in the world”, Pep Guardiola, again was a major factor in his decision to return.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” he told the club’s official website.
Sky Sports
