Man City Transfer News: Ilkay Gundogan completes spectacular City return
Manchester City have confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan has returned to the club.
The German midfielder departed City for Barcelona last summer and while he impressed in Spain, the La Liga were prepared to sanction Gundogan's departure.
"Manchester City have completed a deal to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance," a statement read on the club's official website.
"The midfielder spent seven hugely successful seasons at the Etihad before moving to the La Liga side in June 2023, just 16 days after captaining City to an historic Treble thanks to victory over Inter in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
"Over the course of his remarkable first stint at the Club, the German won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League, making 304 appearances and scoring 60 goals.
"And after one full season at Barcelona, which saw him play 51 times in all competitions and help the Catalan giants finish second in La Liga, the 33-year-old is back at City as we bid to make it five Premier League titles in succession."
On his return to City, Gundogan said: "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. 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 – 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."
