Manchester City Re-Signs Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona

Pep Guardiola appointed Ilkay Gundogan as Manchester City’s captain during his initial stint at the club.

Manchester City has finalized the signing of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on an initial one-year contract with an option to extend for an additional 12 months. The 33-year-old German midfielder, who initially joined City in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing, has returned to the Etihad after a brief stint at Barcelona. Gundogan’s return comes after he spent seven successful years at City where he won 14 trophies and scored 60 goals in 304 appearances.

Reflecting on his time at City, Gundogan expressed his happiness, saying, “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.” He also praised Guardiola, stating, “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.” Gundogan, who captained City to a Treble in 2023, is eager to wear the City shirt again.

Gundogan’s move follows Barcelona’s decision to part ways with him due to financial constraints. Despite an impressive debut season in Spain, Barcelona needed to address financial issues and comply with La Liga spending restrictions prompting Gundogan’s free transfer. On Instagram, Gundogan expressed his mixed emotions, acknowledging the financial necessity of his departure but also his gratitude for the time spent at Barcelona.

Ilkay Guardiola admitted that the opportunity to re-sign Gundogan came as a surprise but expressed delight at his return. “It was a complete surprise, unexpected,” Guardiola said. “We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility to re-sign him was open, and we’re absolutely delighted that he’s back.” Gundogan, who has earned 82 caps for Germany, announced his international retirement following Germany’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit to Spain.