Manchester City have secured the return of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona, agreeing to an initial one-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months.
Gundogan, who joined City as Pep Guardiola's first signing in 2016, spent seven seasons with the club before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.
During his time at Manchester City, the 33-year-old German midfielder accumulated 14 trophies and scored 60 goals in 304 appearances.
"My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch," Gundogan said. He served as City's captain during their Treble-winning season in 2023.
Gundogan expressed his respect for Guardiola, stating, "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."
Gundogan also shared his enthusiasm for returning to Manchester City, adding, "Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again."
Despite a strong debut season at Barcelona, the club opted to part ways with Gundogan due to financial constraints. Barcelona faced difficulties registering new signing Dani Olmo, prompting the decision to release Gundogan, who was one of the club's highest earners.
"I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad," Gundogan wrote on Instagram following the announcement.
Gundogan expressed gratitude for his time at Barcelona, stating he was "looking forward to helping my team-mates in the new campaign" but remained "grateful" for his year with the club.
Guardiola remarked on the surprise nature of Gundogan's return, saying, "It was a complete surprise, unexpected." He added, "We didn't have any doubts when the possibility to re-sign him was open, and we're absolutely delighted that he's back."
Gundogan, who has earned 82 caps for Germany, announced his retirement from international football after Germany's exit from Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals against Spain.
