According to The Athletic and transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan to return to the club. Gundogan joined Barca on a free transfer from Manchester City 14 months ago after winning a treble in northwestern England as captain, including City’s first Champions League title.
The veteran apparently turned down a City offer to extend his contract for more money in order to accomplish what he described as a dream transfer to the Catalans.
In a trophyless season marred by injuries to Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong, Gundogan was widely regarded as one of Barcelona’s best performers last season under dismissed former head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Under the watchful eye of Xavi’s successor, Hansi Flick, who once made Gundogan captain of the German national team, the 33-year-old was expected to remain at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield despite rumours linking him with a move away from the club.Those were picked up over the weekend, when Gundogan was unexpectedly left out of Flick’s Matchday 1 team against Valencia.
While Gundogan applauded his soon-to-be former teammates on Twitter for their amazing comeback at the Mestalla, and Flick told Spanish media that he believed Gundogan would stay, sources from Radio Catalunya and Cadena SER linked him with a return to City.Romano then stated that City manager Pep Guardiola had approved Gundogan’s return, and nearly 24 hours later, the Italian and The Athletic announced a complete deal between the club and its former charge.
The reports that Gundogan’s two-year deal with Barcelona would be cancelled so that he may rejoin the Premier League giants.At City, he will sign a one-year contract with an option for another year and should be warmly welcomed back by the fans, as well as Guardiola and his team.Many Barcelona fans are bewildered as to how their team can allow one of its finest players from last season to depart for free, despite the fact that they paid nothing for him in 2023.
