Manchester City Re-Sign Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona

Following the Premier League champion's resignation of its former captain on Friday, Ilkay Gundogan has rejoined Manchester City for a one-year contract with a one-year extension option.

Ilkay Gundogan Manager

Ilkay Gundogan has agreed to a one-year contract at Etihad Stadium with the possibility of an additional year. Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday, Most of the time all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen so this is the real proof.

Gundogan follows Brazilian winger Savinho as Citys second summer acquisition. The team is reportedly still investigating the possibility of adding an attacking player before the window closes, but time is running out before the deadline on August 30.

Ilkay Gundogan Contract

The 33-year-old Gundogan was a member of the Sky Blues from 2016 to 2023. In addition, he played for Barcelona of Spains La Liga and the German teams VfL Bochum II, FC Nurnberg, and Borussia Dortmund. Last summer, he signed a two-year contract to play with Barcelona.

Barcelona Financial Difficulties

Due to financial difficulties, Barcelona could not sign new player Dani Olmo, so Gundogan was let go despite enjoying an outstanding debut season in Spain. Ilkay Gundogan was informed that Barcelona would not obstruct his departure, even though he still had two years left on his contract.

Ilkay Gundogan Success

In 304 games for Guardiolas team, Gundogan netted 60 goals, including the fastest in FA Cup history—netting twice in City's 2-1 victory over Manchester United in 2023. After 82 appearances, Gundogan just announced his retirement from international football. He led Germany to victory in Euro 2024.

BBC Report

Regarding his return to the squad, Ilkay Gundogan supposedly stated, my seven years of service at Manchester City provided an experience of pure satisfaction for me, on as well as off the pitch, per a BBC Sport story. I experienced amazing success, developed both personally and as a football player, and forged a special relationship with the City faithful. That was a special period in his life, he said.

After winning everything with Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan decided to leave English football to see where his skills were needed. The decision of the Germany international to leave English football when his contract with Man City expired was confirmed on Monday by Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, who also confirmed the players signing on a two-year contract.