Premier League champions Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a free transfer.

City announced this in a statement on Friday.

“Manchester City have completed a deal to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance,” the club noted.

Gundogan returns to Pep Guardiola’s side just a year on from his exit to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, rejoins on a one-year contract plus the option of a further year.

Taking to his X account on Friday, Gundogan wrote: “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 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.

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“Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barca, 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.”

It was reported on Monday that Gundogan had been told he could leave Barcelona as they look to trade players to reduce their wage bill.

The German only wanted a return to City and ignored interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar because of that.

Gundogan, who retired from international football earlier this week, captained City to a historic treble before his departure.

He made 304 appearances and scored 60 goals in his first stint at City as he won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Gundogan becomes City’s second summer signing after the arrival of Savinho from French side Troyes in a £33.6 million deal.

Gundogan revealed working with the “best manager in the world”, Guardiola, again was a major factor in his decision to return.

The Star