7 C
New York
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
pCloud Premium

Ilkay Gundogan transfer: Man City re-sign midfielder on free transfer after Barcelona exit | Football News


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

The midfielder 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, 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.

Sky Sports News 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.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Enjoy our pick of Gundogan’s best Premier League goals for Man City

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 £33.6m deal.

Gundogan: I can’t wait to work with Pep again

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports News’ senior reporter Melissa Reddy analyses Gundogan’s return to Man City

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

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” he told the club’s official website.

“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.

“To have the opportunity to return here means so much. Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.

“And what can I say about my team-mates here at City…they are world-class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”

Man City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.

“He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.

“To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”

Analysis: The return of Guardiola’s standard-setter Gundogan

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing for Man City and went on to become a player who epitomised the style the Spaniard was seeking to implement in the Premier League. Precise in possession, incisive in the final third but also selfless in his commitment to the cause.

Gundogan finished his first spell as captain, capping off seven seasons in which he had played from defensive midfield through more attacking positions and even as a false number nine during a goal-laden 2020/21 campaign, by lifting a fifth Premier League and a precious first Champions League. He was an all-rounder operating at the top level, whether he was filling in for Fernandinho or poaching in the six-yard box.

Ilkay Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's pass-master in the opposition half during his first spell with the club
Image:
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s pass-master in the opposition half during his first spell

Respected for his mentality, personality and quality on the ball, Gundogan was a leader among his team-mates and Guardiola’s standard-setter on and off the pitch. His exit for Barcelona was a loss felt by both the club and the player and his return, remarkably for no transfer fee, will surely prove to be a win for all involved.

Gundogan is back where he has thrived, Guardiola has his trusted talisman again, and the City squad will be boosted by his experience and enthusiasm for the project. There have been big sums spent this summer but this free transfer could be one of the most significant if City go on to make it five Premier Leagues on the spin.



Source link

Odisha Expo
Odisha Expohttps://www.odishaexpo.com
Odisha Expo is one of the Largest News Aggregator of Odisha, Stay Updated about the latest news with Odisha Expo from around the world. Stay hooked for more updates.

Related Articles

Stay Connected

0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
Best Lifetime Deals on SaaSspot_img

Latest Articles

Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Al-Nassr to AFC Champions League Quarterfinals

0
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 27th-minute penalty as Al-Nassr defeated Esteghlal FC 3-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16. Jhon Duran...

Global stocks sell-off pauses as investors catch their breath

0
Tumbling stock markets and rallying Treasury bonds steadied somewhat in Europe on Tuesday, as a modicum of calm returned to markets after the previous day’s dramatic moves...

Sir Jim Ratcliffe names Casemiro, Hojlund & Onana as 'inherited' players

0
Watch as BBC sports editor Dan Roan questions Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the club's future. Source link

Ukrainian forces launch ‘largest ever’ drone attack on Moscow

0
Ukrainian forces targeted Moscow in the early hours of Tuesday with what Russian authorities are describing as the largest ever drone attack on...

Arteta left fuming after draw all but ends Arsenal’s title hopes – Sport

0
MANCHESTER: Mikel Arteta’s 200th Premier League game was not one to savour for the Spaniard as any lingering hope of a title challenge...