Ilkay Gundogan returns to Manchester City on a free transfer after Barcelona departure

Manchester City have confirmed the return of Ilkay Gundogan to the club after signing him on a free transfer from Barcelona.

The midfielder returns to Pep Guardiola's side just a year on from his exit to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer.

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."

News reported on Monday that Gundogan had been told he could leave Barcelona as they look to trade players to reduce their wage bill.

The German only wanted a return to City and ignored interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar because of that.

Gundogan, who retired from international football earlier this week, captained City to a historic treble before his departure.

He made 304 appearances and scored 60 goals in his first stint at City as he won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Gundogan becomes City's second summer signing after the arrival of Savinho from French side Troyes in a £33.6m deal.

Gundogan: I can't wait to work with Pep again

Gundogan revealed working with the "best manager in the world", Pep Guardiola, again was a major factor in his decision to return.

"My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch," he told the club's official website.

"I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.

"To have the opportunity to return here means so much. Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep - he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.

"And what can I say about my team-mates here at City…they are world-class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again."

Man City's director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.

"He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.

"To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many."

Analysis: The return of Guardiola's standard-setter Gundogan

' Peter Smith:

Gundogan was Guardiola's first signing for Man City and went on to become a player who epitomised the style the Spaniard was seeking to implement in the Premier League. Precise in possession, incisive in the final third but also selfless in his commitment to the cause.

Gundogan finished his first spell as captain, capping off seven seasons in which he had played from defensive midfield through more attacking positions and even as a false number nine during a goal-laden 2020/21 campaign, by lifting a fifth Premier League and a precious first Champions League. He was an all-rounder operating at the top level, whether he was filling in for Fernandinho or poaching in the six-yard box.

Respected for his mentality, personality and quality on the ball, Gundogan was a leader among his team-mates and Guardiola's standard-setter on and off the pitch. His exit for Barcelona was a loss felt by both the club and the player and his return, remarkably for no transfer fee, will surely prove to be a win for all involved.

Gundogan is back where he has thrived, Guardiola has his trusted talisman again, and the City squad will be boosted by his experience and enthusiasm for the project. There have been big sums spent this summer but this free transfer could be one of the most significant if City go on to make it five Premier Leagues on the spin.