German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set for a return to his former club, Manchester City, on a free transfer after spending a season in Spain with Barcelona, Afrosport reports.
The 33-year-old former German international expressed his desire to depart the Catalan club this summer, and reports suggest the former Borussia Dortmund man is close to finalising a move to return to the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan, whose current contract at Barcelona runs until 2026, following the activation of his 12-month extension after reaching the required appearances, will forfeit the remainder of his salary to return to City.
The former City captain, already in Manchester, is set to undergo a medical on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a one-year deal until June 2025 with the option for a further year.
🚨🔵 Ilkay Gündogan back to Manchester City, here we go! Deal in place with German midfielder to join on contract valid until June 2025.
Agreement reached after positive talks in last 48h and Pep Guardiola said yes, as revealed yesterday.
Gündogan will leave Barça for FREE. pic.twitter.com/XqkDZlMEtk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2024
Gundogan joined City as Pep Guardiola’s first signing in 2016, and in his first seven-year stay at the club, he made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and providing 38 assists.
The German won 12 major titles with City, including five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and four EFL Cups.
