Manchester City is on the verge of bringing back Ilkay Gündogan to the Etihad Stadium, according to a source at ESPN. Gündogan, who only spent one season at Barcelona, is set to make his return to City after a successful seven-year stint at the club before moving to Spain last summer. The official announcement of his signing is expected before the weekend, with Gündogan possibly making his second debut for City in the upcoming match against Ipswich Town.
The quick action taken by City to secure Gündogan’s return is highlighted by the fact that he had two years left on his Barcelona contract. The 33-year-old midfielder is reportedly signing a one-year deal with the option for another year, with no transfer fee involved due to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Barcelona. Despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Gündogan opted to rejoin City after discussions with head coach Pep Guardiola, with whom he shares a close personal relationship.
During his first spell at City from 2016 to 2023, Gündogan made over 300 appearances for the club and won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and a Champions League. City had tried to retain him last summer, but his departure on a free transfer allowed the club to bring in reinforcements. Despite making 51 appearances last season, Gündogan has been given the opportunity to leave City in order to help alleviate the club’s financial concerns following the acquisition of attacking midfielder Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.
In addition to his club career, Gündogan recently announced his retirement from the Germany national team. This decision indicates a shift in focus towards his club career, with a strong desire to contribute to City’s ongoing success. The midfielder’s return to City is not only a boost for the team on the field but also a testament to the strong bond between Gündogan and Guardiola, which played a crucial role in his decision to come back to Manchester.
Overall, Manchester City’s re-signing of Ilkay Gündogan represents a significant move for the club as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season. The midfielder’s experience, leadership, and tactical acumen are expected to make a valuable contribution to City’s pursuit of silverware in the Premier League and beyond. Gündogan’s return is a reassuring sign for City fans and a statement of intent from the club as they look to build on their recent successes.
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