Manchester City is on the verge of finalizing a deal to bring back Ilkay Gündogan to the club, according to a source close to ESPN. Gündogan, who only spent one season at Barcelona, is now ready to make his way back to the Etihad Stadium where he enjoyed seven successful seasons before his move to Spain last summer.
Gündogan is expected to travel to Manchester on Wednesday, with an official announcement anticipated before the weekend. The midfielder could potentially make his second debut for the team against Ipswich Town on Saturday. City acted swiftly to secure Gündogan’s return, capitalizing on the fact that he still had two years remaining on his Barcelona contract. The German is set to sign a one-year deal with the option of extending for another year.
Interestingly, the deal to bring back Gündogan involves no transfer fee, signalling a mutual agreement between the player and the club. Despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, particularly Al Nassr, Gündogan opted to rejoin City after discussions with head coach Pep Guardiola. The close personal relationship between Guardiola and Gündogan, who have previously lived in the same building in Manchester, played a pivotal role in the player’s decision.
Impressive Record and Trophy Haul
During his initial stint at Manchester City from 2016 to 2023, Gündogan amassed over 300 appearances for the club. He was a key figure in the team’s success, winning an impressive 12 major trophies including five Premier League titles and one Champions League. City had expressed their desire for Gündogan to stay last summer, but the midfielder left on a free transfer to Barcelona.
Despite featuring in 51 games across all competitions for Barcelona last season, Gündogan has been granted permission to leave the club to assist with their financial situation, especially following the arrival of attacking midfielder Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. With his retirement from the Germany national team announced just recently, Gündogan’s focus is now solely on returning to Manchester City and making a significant impact once again.
Manchester City’s impending re-signing of Ilkay Gündogan represents a significant boost for the team as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Gündogan’s return to the Etihad Stadium is a testament to his success and enduring relationship with the club, setting the stage for another chapter in his illustrious career.
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