Guardiola calls Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City a surprise

Ilkay Gundogan has left Barcelona and joined Manchester City after his contract with the La Liga heavyweights was terminated by mutual agreement. He signed a one-year contract with the defending Premier League champions with an option to extend the contract by 12 months.

Gundogan played seven seasons for City from 2016 and 2023, helping the club win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League title among other honors. He joined Barca in July 2023 as a free agent, scoring five goals and delivering 14 assists for the team.

"Most of the time all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen so this is the real proof," City's manager Pep Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday. "It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well; the staff and players. We know the quality he plays last year at Barcelona. High, high level. We didn't have any doubts when the possibility was open and we're delighted he is back."

The biggest departure from City during the summer transfer window was Julian Alvarez who signed with Atletico Madrid. The transfer generated 75 million euros for City, which acquired Savinho from Troyes for 25 million euros. Gundogan became the club's second signing this summer.

"The important thing is he wants to come back," Guardiola said. "I got the message from [sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] that Ilkay wants to talk to you and call you. He called me and asked about the situation. I said yes and now we are here and he has to deliver a good season. The feeling is that he doesn't come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it is time to put your shoes on and do your best."

City beat Chelsea 2-0 in their 2024-25 Premier League season opener at Stamford Bridge on August 18. They will host Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.