MANCHESTER: Ilkay Gundogan is back with Manchester City after the Premier League champions resigned their former captain on Friday on a one-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

The 33-year-old former German international left City for Barcelona in 2023 on a free transfer after leading Pep Guardiola’s team to the treble, among 14 major trophies he won with the English champions including five Premier League titles.

However, Gundogan and the Catalan giants reportedly agreed to rescind his contract after just one season to pave the way for a return to the Etihad.

In his sole season in Spain, Gundogan scored five goals and provided 14 assists but Barca failed to win a trophy.

Guardiola said the decision to re-sign Gundogan was an easy one and the midfielder could feature in Saturday’s home Premier League match against Ipswich Town.

“[Gundogan] called me and asked me the situation, the chance to come back and we said yes immediately,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “He played really well last season and I know how competitive it is. I love his qualities and he will give us an incredible alternative.

“If he has to play [Saturday] then he knows everything. He is always in the right position and everyone is so thrilled and happy that he is back. I am sure it is the same from the fans.”

His return is welcome for City side who sold Argentina forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and are without winger Oscar Bobb for up to four months after the Norwegian broke his leg in training.

Gundogan joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 as Guardiola’s first signing of his managerial tenure.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2024