Hidden Premier League rule could forbid Ilkay Gundogan from playing for Manchester City against Ipswich Town

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola could be without incoming signing Ilkay Gundogan this weekend due to a strict Premier League rule.

The 33-year-old is set to complete a shock return to the Etihad Stadium, re-signing for Manchester City on a free transfer from FC Barcelona, despite ending a seven-year stay with the Sky Blues to move to the Camp Nou just last year.

Gundogan featured 51 times for Barcelona last season, but is poised to sign an initial one-year contract with Manchester City, after agreeing to leave the Catalan club following discussions with club officials and manager Hansi Flick.

The midfielder, who announced retirement from international football earlier this week, made 304 appearances during his first spell at Manchester City, winning 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League.

Gundogan captained the Sky Blues to the treble during his final weeks in east Manchester last year, and netted twice against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final.

The 33-year-old’s last appearance for Manchester City came in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul in June 2023, although the German could mark his first appearance of his second spell this weekend.

Manchester City host newly-promoted Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, with the clash being the Blues’ first home match of the 2024/25 campaign.

Gundogan missed Barcelona’s match against Valencia in La Liga last weekend, but could feature in east Manchester on Saturday afternoon, permitting Manchester City officials register the midfielder before 12pm on Friday, as per the Premier League rulebook.

The Premier League rules states that any club wishing to debut any new signings, must have registered the player by 12pm the last working day before a game.

Manchester City started their latest Premier League title defence with a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, winning 0-2, after goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.