- Ilkay Gundoogan re-joins Man City as a free agent after a brief stint with Barcelona
- Barcelona's financial difficulties have forced them to release Gundogan
- Gundogan expresses mixed emotions in a farewell letter to Barcelona fans
Barcelona’s financial woes have delivered a bittersweet twist for fans as Ilkay Gundogan, who left Manchester City only a year ago, makes a swift return to his former club.
After a brief spell with the Blaugrana, Gundogan has re-signed with City on a free transfer, committing to a one-year contract. The midfielder initially departed Manchester at the end of the 2022-23 season, choosing Barcelona over a contract extension with the Premier League champions.
However, City’s door remained open, and they’ve now brought him back.
Although Gundogan contributed significantly to Barcelona’s campaign last season, new coach Hansi Flick did not guarantee him a regular starting position, making him available for transfer. Despite receiving interest from Saudi Arabia, Gundogan opted to return to City, where he felt at home.
“I’m incredibly happy, happy to see my teammates, the staff, people that I had seven years with and an amazing time with, many ups and a few downs but an incredible experience. When you leave this place, you spend a year away and you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had, how amazing the time was and how big the Club is.”
“The best Club in the world and I think in terms of football, getting back onto that level and coming back a year later is an incredible feeling.”
“I am very pleased, very happy and I feel privileged to share the dressing room again with these amazing players,” Gundogan remarked as his return was confirmed.
Gundogan had joined Barcelona last season on a free transfer after leading Manchester City to a treble, but his time at Camp Nou was cut short by Barcelona’s financial constraints.
With the club unable to register its new signing, Dani Olmo, Gundogan was sacrificed to alleviate the wage bill.
In a heartfelt letter to Barcelona supporters, Gundogan shared his disappointment at leaving so soon but accepted the decision as necessary for the club’s financial recovery and future success.
"Dear culers, after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.”
"Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”
"Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs - I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.”
"Visca el Barca!”
"Best wishes, Ilkay," he said via the X app.
Gundogan is City’s second signing of the transfer window after the arrival of Brazilian winger Savinho.
8 interesting facts you probably have not heard about İlkay Gündoğan
Previously, TheRadar reported that İlkay Gündoğan, one of the most accomplished midfielders of the past decade, has announced his retirement from international football. The German star made his senior team debut in October 2011, coming on as a late substitute in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium.
Wearing the iconic number 8 jersey for the German national team, İlkay Gündoğan has made his mark on football history.
