Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, squad number: Manchester City sign Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona

Manchester City have officially announced the re-signing of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from FC Barcelona.

The 33-year-old has completed a sensational return to Manchester City for the 2024/25 campaign, just over a year after choosing to sign for FC Barcelona on a free transfer, ending a seven-year stay in east Manchester.

Ilkay Gundogan made a total of 304 appearances between 2016 and 2023, scoring 60 goals and winning 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League.

The German, who announced retirement from international football prior to re-signing for City, captained the Sky Blues to an historic treble during the 2022/23 campaign, becoming the first English side since 1999 to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Gundogan featured 51 times for Barcelona last season, and becomes the Blues’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following the £21 million addition of Brazilian forward Savinho, who made his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

After Pep Guardiola’s side confirmed their second addition of the summer transfer window, here is everything you need to know about the return of Ilkay Gundogan to Premier League champions Manchester City.

What are the terms of Ilkay Gundogan’s transfer from Barcelona to Manchester City?

Ilkay Gundogan has signed an initial one-year contract with Manchester City, with the option of a further 12 months.

As per The Times’ Paul Hirst, the option of a further 12 months at the Etihad Stadium will be triggered automatically if he plays a certain number of games for the Premier League champions this season.

Barcelona have approved a free transfer after the midfielder agreed to forgo the remaining two years of salary, according to Pol Ballus.

What has Ilkay Gundogan said upon re-signing for Manchester City?

In a statement online, Gundogan said: “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch. 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 teammates 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.”

What has Txiki Begiristain said about the re-signing of Ilkay Gundogan?

Upon re-signing the 33-year-old, Txiki Begiristain said: “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.”

What squad number has Ilkay Gundogan selected at Manchester City?

Ilkay Gundogan wore the number 8 jersey during his previous seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, but will wear squad number 19 during the 2024/25 season.