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| German midfielder |
**German Midfielder Signs One-Year Deal to Rejoin Manchester City from Barcelona**
Manchester City have announced the return of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona. The 33-year-old has signed a one-year contract and will don the No. 19 shirt.
Gundogan originally left Man City in 2023 after a seven-year stint, during which he won the Premier League five times, made 188 appearances, and scored 44 goals.
"I'm joining the best club in the world," Gundogan stated on the club’s official website. "Leaving last year and spending time away has made me appreciate the club even more. I realize how special my time here was and how significant the club is—truly the best in the world.
"My previous seven years at City were influential in my decision to return. However, I'm not just nostalgic; I’m focused on competing and improving myself, even at 33. I’m eager to prove myself daily in training and matches and to continue striving for success. The unique environment here made my decision to come back easy."
Gundogan expressed confidence in his readiness to perform. “I’m feeling good right now. I played a lot last season, and despite being at an age where breaks are more common, I still feel very competitive and ready. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and I’m excited to compete in it again.”
**Gundogan’s Impact**
During his previous tenure with Man City, Gundogan was pivotal in several title wins. Notably, he scored a crucial free-kick in a 4-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the 2018/19 season and netted twice in a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Aston Villa in the final fixture of the 2021/22 season.
He also contributed to City’s UEFA Champions League triumph, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. His final match for City saw him score the fastest goal in an FA Cup final, and he captained the team to their first Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Internazionale Milano in Istanbul.
**Man City's 2024/25 Transfer Activity**
Gundogan becomes Manchester City's second signing of the summer transfer window, following winger Savinho from Troyes. Departures include Julian Alvarez, Sergio Gomez, and Liam Delap on permanent deals, while Kalvin Phillips has been loaned to Ipswich Town.