Ilkay Gündogan’s return to Manchester City came after his contract at Barcelona was terminated by mutual agreement. The German midfielder signed a one-year deal with City, which includes an option to extend for a further 12 months. Gündogan was deemed surplus to requirements by Barcelona following the signing of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. Barcelona’s financial constraints necessitated freeing up space on their wage bill to register Olmo for LaLiga, making Gündogan’s exit a strategic move for the club.
Financial Aspect
City did not pay a transfer fee for Gündogan’s return, and sources revealed that the remaining wages owed to him from his Barcelona contract were waived. Gündogan acknowledged the financial implications of his departure, expressing a willingness to help the club in a difficult situation by allowing his exit to support them financially. Despite the circumstances, he reflected on his time at Barcelona fondly, grateful for the experiences and memories gained during his tenure at the club.
Having won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League during his initial spell at City, Gündogan departed last summer following the expiration of his contract after over 300 appearances in seven years. He described his time at City as a period of personal and professional growth, highlighting the special connection he formed with the fans and the success he enjoyed. Gündogan expressed his excitement at returning to Manchester City, emphasizing his admiration for manager Pep Guardiola and the opportunity to work with him again.
In a statement, Gündogan expressed gratitude for his time at Manchester City and the impact it had on his career, both on and off the pitch. He credited Guardiola with helping him improve as a player and welcomed the challenge of working under the esteemed manager once more. Gündogan’s enthusiasm for reuniting with Guardiola and the City squad was evident in his remarks, underscoring his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Ilkay Gündogan’s return to Manchester City symbolizes a new chapter in his career, marked by a blend of nostalgia for his previous successes and anticipation for future triumphs. His departure from Barcelona, while motivated by financial considerations, opens the door for a fresh start at City, where he aims to build on his prior achievements and continue his journey as a key player for the club. As Gündogan prepares to embark on this next phase of his career, the City faithful eagerly await his contributions on the pitch and the impact he will undoubtedly make in the seasons to come.