Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a free transfer.
The midfielder returns to Pep Guardiola’s side just a year on from his exit to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer and will be available for Saturday’s Premier League game against Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium.
The 33-year-old, who spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, rejoins on a one-year contract plus the option of a further year.
“When managers say ‘this is the transfer window, anything can happen’, this is the real proof,” said Guardiola.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he’s back.
“He knows what we want to do, he doesn’t need to adapt, he knows the city, the club, the way we want to play. He’ll immediately settle good.”
Asked if Gundogan would re-take the captaincy from Kyle Walker, Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”
