IIkay Gundogan has returned to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on a free transfer until June 2025.
Gundogan signed the deal with an option to extend the contract by a further year after a season at Barcelona. He penned a two-year deal with the Spanish outfit but the contract was eventually terminated by mutual agreement after one season.
The 33-year-old played 51 matches across all competitions in Barcelona’s jersey and registered 5 goals.
“Dear culers, After just one year, it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign,” he wrote on X confirming his exit from Barcelona.
He added: “Now, I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.
“Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.”
In his seven-year stint at Manchester City before leaving for Barcelona, Gundogan made 304 appearances across all competitions and amassed 60 goals.
Gundogan and his teammates will be looking to provide a stiff competition for Real Madrid, that has also added a marquee signing in Kylian Mbappe to their ranks in La Liga and other competitions – as well as other top clubs in the UEFA Champions League.
