Manchester City have completed the signing of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on an initial one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
The German midfielder, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the club in 2016, spent seven years at City before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.
The 33-year-old won 14 trophies in his first spell at the Etihad, scoring 60 goals in 304 appearances.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan.
“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.”
Despite having an impressive debut campaign in Spain, Barcelona decided to part with Gundogan after struggling to register new signing Dani Olmo due to the club’s financial issues.
Gundogan was one of the club’s highest earners and his departure on a free transfer will help Barcelona comply with La Liga spending restrictions.
“I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad,” Gundogan wrote on Instagram following the announcement.
Gundogan added he had been “looking forward to helping my team-mates in the new campaign” but he was “grateful” to have spent 12 months at Barcelona.
Speaking ahead of Ipswich Town’s visit to Manchester on Saturday, Guardiola said the chance to re-sign the midfielder came out of the blue.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected,” said Guardiola.
“We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility to re-sign him was open, and we’re absolutely delighted that he’s back.”
Capped 82 times for Germany, Gundogan announced his international retirement following the country’s Euro 2024 exit in the quarter-finals to Spain.
