Premier League: İlkay Gündoğan completes Manchester City return from Barcelona, pens one-year deal

Ilkay Gündoğan has officially completed his return to Premier League giants Manchester City after he left Barcelona on Friday (Aug 23). Gündoğan, who announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday joined from Barcelona where he played for only one season having signed from Man City in 2023. The deal is a free transfer that sees Gündoğan pen a one-year deal at the Etihad Stadium for the Premier League champions.

Gündoğan resigns for Manchester City

"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,” added Gündoğan.

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The player had earlier spent seven years at the club having signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for Manchester City. The Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June 2023 was the last time Gündoğan was part of the Man City side before signing for Barcelona.

His stay at the Catalonian side was brief despite the arrival of Hansi Flick with whom he had worked at the German national side. One of the reasons for the former Germany international’s departure was Dani Olmo’s signing from RB Leipzig. The Spanish international was unable to get registered for Barcelona as the club is struggling with financial fair play issues. They were not able to register a player until they released a player.