Ilkay Gundogan returns to Man City on a free transfer from Barcelona; midfielder spent seven years at City between 2016 and 2023, winning 12 major trophies; the 33-year-old rejoins on a one-year contract plus option of a further year despite interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar
The midfielder returns to Pep Guardiola’s side just a year on from his exit to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer and will be available for Saturday’s Premier League game against Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium.
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.
“When managers say ‘this is the transfer window, anything can happen’, this is the real proof,” said Guardiola.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he’s back.
“He knows what we want to do, he doesn’t need to adapt, he knows the city, the club, the way we want to play. He’ll immediately settle good.”
Asked if Gundogan would re-take the captaincy from Kyle Walker, Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”
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.
Enjoy our pick of Gundogan’s best Premier League goals for Man City
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.
