Ilkay Gundogan agrees to Man City return on free transfer from Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan has given his approval to a deal to rejoin Manchester City from Barcelona, according to several credible reports.

The midfielder left City to join Barca upon the expiry of his contract in 2023, but is now closing in on an incredible return to the Etihad Stadium.

The Athletic were first to report on Wednesday that Gundogan had green-lit a reunion with the Cityzens. He will sign a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months.

Gundogan enjoyed a successful seven-year stint with City between 2016 and 2023, winning 14 trophies and captaining them to their maiden UEFA Champions League title.

After Gundogan handed in a transfer request over the weekend due to unrest at the club, Barcelona decided on Tuesday they would allow him to leave on a free transfer. As such, he will give up the last two years of his contract in Catalonia.

Gundogan's departure will allow Barcelona to register blockbuster summer signing Dani Olmo with La Liga. The club's ongoing financial problems mean they are still struggling to keep in line with strict salary regulations.

Barcelona began the 2024/25 season with a 2-1 comeback win at Valencia, while City dispatched of Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Gundogan, who announced his retirement from international football earlier this week, is set to become only City's second signing of the summer transfer window, following on from the acquisition of Savinho from fellow CFG side Troyes.

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