Manchester City have completed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan.
The 33-year-old has rejoined the club on a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, after leaving Barcelona on a free transfer.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that City had reached an agreement on terms with Gundogan, who has given up two years of salary owed by Barcelona to move back to the Etihad Stadium. Gundogan was made available for transfer as Barcelona look to cut their wage bill in an effort to register players — including €60million (£51.6m, $65.5m) signing Dani Olmo — in line with La Liga’s squad cost limit.
Gundogan, who wore the number eight during his first stint at the club, will wear the number 19.
GO DEEPER
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The Athletic previously reported that City were the frontrunners to secure Gundogan’s return, with the midfielder having spoken with Pep Guardiola over a possible return to Manchester and the manager giving the green light to the move.
Gundogan said: “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. 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 team-mates 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.”
Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer after his City contract had expired. He signed a two-year deal which was automatically extended by another 12 months after he featured in more than 60 per cent of their fixtures last season. Gundogan ended the campaign with 51 appearances across in competitions for Barcelona, registering five goals and 14 assists.
Dear culers,
after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my… pic.twitter.com/n9gAhbmpmz— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 23, 2024
Gundogan previously played 304 times for City during his seven years at the club, having joined the Premier League side from Borussia Dortmund in June 2016. In his first spell with City, Gundogan won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and one Champions League.
He captained Germany at the European Championship on home soil earlier this summer but retired from international duty last week.
Gundogan becomes City’s second summer signing after Savinho joined from Troyes for a fee worth up to €40m. They are also weighing up a move for Celtic’s 29-year-old forward Kyogo Furuhashi as they consider potential replacements for Julian Alvarez, who departed for Atletico Madrid in an £82m deal earlier this window.
(Clive Rose/Getty Images)
