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August 23, 2024
Ilkay Gundogan, a 33-year-old midfielder who won 12 major trophies during his seven years at City between 2016 and 2023, has returned to Man City on a free transfer from Barcelona.
Despite interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Gundogan will only be playing for Man City for the following year.
Ilkay Gundogan has rejoined Manchester City on a free transfer from Barcelona.
The midfielder, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer, has returned to Pep Guardiola’s squad and is expected to be available for Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium against Ipswich.
The 33-year-old, who played for Etihad Stadium for seven years between 2016 and 2023, is back with a one-year deal with an additional year’s option.
“When managers say ‘this is the transfer window, anything can happen,’ this is the real proof,” said Guardiola.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he’s back.
“He knows what we want to do, he doesn’t need to adapt, he knows the City, the club, the way we want to play. He’ll immediately settle good.”
Asked if Gundogan would retake the captaincy from Kyle Walker, Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”
According to a Sports News report on Monday, Gundogan was told he could leave Barcelona. Barcelona is looking to trade players to lower its wage bill.
The German turned down interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar because he only wanted to return to City.
Before he retired from international football earlier this week, Gundogan led City to an unprecedented treble.
During his first season at City, he made 304 appearances, scored 60 goals, and won 12 major titles, including the Champions League and five Premier League titles.
Following Savinho’s £33.6 million summer transfer from French team Troyes, Gundogan joins City as their second summer acquisition.
Gundogan revealed that working with Pep Guardiola, the “best manager in the world,” again was a major factor in his decision to return.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” he told the club’s official website.
“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 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.”
Man City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.
“He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality, and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.”
“To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”
Being the first player Guardiola acquired for Man City, Gundogan later came to represent the kind of player the Spaniard was hoping to develop in the Premier League. Accurate in control, sharp in the last third, but also unselfish in his devotion to the goal.
In the end, Gundogan’s seven-year tenure as captain came to an end with a fifth Premier League title and a priceless first Champions League. He had played from defensive midfield through more attacking positions and even as a false number nine during a goal-filled 2020–21 campaign. He was a top-tier all-around player who could poach in the six-yard box or step in for Fernandinho.
Regarded for his mindset, disposition, and skill with the ball, Gundogan was a leader among his teammates and set the bar high for Guardiola both on and off the field. Both the team and the player felt a loss when he left for Barcelona, so everyone will undoubtedly benefit from his unexpected return at no cost to the parties involved.
Guardiola has his reliable talisman back, Gundogan is back where he thrives, and his experience and excitement for the project will benefit the City team. Although a lot of money has been spent this summer, if City continues to win the Premier League five times in a row, this free transfer may be one of the most important.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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