Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gündogan from Barcelona on a one-year contract.
The 33-year-old German midfielder, who left City in 2023, returns after a highly successful first spell at the Etihad Stadium, where he won 12 major trophies, including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League.
Reflecting on his return, Gündogan expressed his deep connection with the club, saying, “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch. I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans, and enjoyed amazing success.”
READ ALSO: Pep Guardiola approves Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City
Gündogan originally joined Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023 after captaining City to a treble in his final season.
However, financial constraints at the Catalan club reportedly led to his departure after just one season, as they needed to offload a high earner to register new signing Dani Olmo.
Having first joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Gündogan is now the club’s second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of Brazilian winger Savinho.
His return gives Pep Guardiola an additional option, especially after the departure of forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.