Manchester City Re-Sign Ilkay Gündogan from Barcelona
Manchester City have officially re-signed their former captain, Ilkay Gündogan, from Barcelona on an initial one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.
The German midfielder, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at City in 2016, returns to the Etihad Stadium after a year in Spain.
What you’ve all been waiting for…
Welcome back to City, @IlkayGuendogan 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8VutEkQNRU
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024
Gündogan, 33, enjoyed a successful seven-year spell at Manchester City, winning 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League.
His leadership and midfield prowess were instrumental in City’s domestic and European successes.
After joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023, Gündogan had an impressive debut season, helping the Catalan giants to a second-place finish in La Liga.
However, due to financial constraints and the need to register new signings, Barcelona decided to part ways with the experienced midfielder.
Upon his return, Ilkay Gündogan expressed his excitement: “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
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. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again”.
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, added: “Ilkay is one of the greatest professionals I have worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every training session are unique.
Bringing him back is excellent news for everyone. He will help us achieve our main goal, which is to win trophies, and he will also be an inspiration to many”.