Breaking: Manchester City agree deal to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester City have agreed a deal to re-sign midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from FC Barcelona.

The 33-year-old is set to undergo a medical ahead of returning to Manchester City for a second spell, re-signing for Pep Guardiola’s side after just one season with FC Barcelona, following a dramatic late transfer window twist.

Gundogan, who was Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, enjoyed a glittering seven-year stay with the Sky Blues, prior to completing a free transfer to the Camp Nou in 2023.

The German, who retired from international football on Monday following a home UEFA European Championship during the summer, made 304 appearances for Manchester City between 2016 and 2023, scoring 60 goals and winning 14 trophies.

Gundogan featured 51 times for Barcelona last season, but has agreed to leave the Catalan club following discussions with club executives and newly-appointed manager Hansi Flick.

The midfielder captained Manchester City to a landmark treble success during his final season in east Manchester, lifting the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Emirates FA Cup – scoring a brace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium against Manchester United.

The 33-year-old has now agreed to return to Manchester City for the 2024/25 campaign, with Barcelona allowing the midfielder to leave the Camp Nou due to their precarious financial situation.

Ilkay Gundogan will sign a one-year contract with Manchester City, with the option of a further 12 months, according to Pol Ballus.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the transfer will be free, with the agreement reached after positive talks in last 48 hours.

Manchester City had been in the market to sign a new midfielder this summer, with Gundogan set to become the Blues’ second addition of the transfer window, following the arrival of Savinho from ES Troyes for £21 million.

Pep Guardiola is also hopeful of adding a new striker to his squad before the close of the ongoing summer transfer window, after Manchester City approved a club-record sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.