Football

"Total Surprise": Guardiola on Gündoğan's return to Manchester City

Photo: Mark Cosgrove/Keystone Press Agency

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola described the possibility of bringing the midfielder İlkay Gündoğan back from Barcelona as unexpected. 

Today, August 23, the Citizens announced the transfer of the 33-year-old German on a free transfer, securing him with a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional year.

“Gündogan was a total surprise, unexpected… we didn’t have any doubts when the opportunity was presented to sign Ilkay! All of us wanted him here again, me personally of course but all of us. You know when you say: anything can happen? That’s the case!” — Guardiola said, as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

İlkay Gündoğan played for Manchester City from 2016 to 2023. During his time with the club, he made 304 appearances, winning the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and four EFL Cups.

Last summer, Gündoğan joined Barcelona as a free agent. In the past season, the experienced midfielder scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 51 matches for the Blaugrana.

The player is currently valued at €15 million by Transfermarkt.

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