Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona, with the German returning to the Etihad Stadium on an initial contract until June 2025.
The 33-year-old left Man City on a free transfer to join Barcelona last year, and he made 51 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in the process.
However, financial reasons have led to his departure from the Catalan giants, with the club under pressure to remove some salaries from their budget in order to register new signings, including Dani Olmo.
Man City moved quickly to secure a return for Gundogan, who scored 60 goals and registered 38 assists in his 304 appearances for the Premier League champions during his first spell at the club.
"Manchester City have completed a deal to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance," read a statement on the club's official website.
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Man City re-sign Gundogan from Barcelona
"My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch," Gundogan told Man City's official website.
"I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.
"Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep [Guardiola] – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
"And what can I say about my teammates here at City...they are world class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again."
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Gundogan has left Barcelona due to club's financial situation
Meanwhile, Man City's director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.
"He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.
"To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many."
Gundogan, who will wear the number 19 shirt for the Citizens, failed to win a trophy at Barcelona last season, but he lifted five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and the Champions League during his time at Etihad Stadium.
The midfielder was one of Barcelona's highest earners, and his departure will allow them to comply with the spending restrictions in La Liga, with the midfielder revealing in a statement that financial reasons led to his departure from Hansi Flick's side.
Man City have not paid a fee for Gundogan, with the German returning to the club on a free transfer despite having another two years left on his Barcelona deal.
Matt Law
