Manchester, England – In a surprising turn of events, Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester City after leaving Barcelona. The midfielder’s contract with the La Liga giants was terminated by mutual agreement, allowing him to sign a one-year deal with the Premier League champions, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
Gundogan, who previously spent seven seasons with City from 2016 to 2023, was instrumental in the club’s success, securing five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy among other honors. His move to Barcelona in July 2023 as a free agent saw him score five goals and provide 14 assists for the team.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his astonishment at Gundogan’s return. “Most of the time all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen, so this is the real proof,” Guardiola said during a press conference on Friday. “It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well; the staff and players. We know the quality he plays last year at Barcelona. High, high level. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open and we’re delighted he is back.”
The summer transfer window has been eventful for City, with the significant departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth 75 million euros. The club bolstered its squad by acquiring Savinho from Troyes for 25 million euros, and Gundogan becomes their second signing of the season.
Guardiola emphasized Gundogan’s commitment to contributing positively to the team. “The important thing is he wants to come back,” he remarked. “I got the message from [sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] that Ilkay wants to talk to you and call you. He called me and asked about the situation. I said yes and now we are here and he has to deliver a good season. The feeling is that he doesn’t come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it is time to put your shoes on and do your best.”
Manchester City began their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18. They are set to host Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, aiming to continue their strong start to the season.
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Guardiola calls Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City a surprise
cgtn.com
