It has been quite a week for FC Barcelona midfielder İlkay Gündoğan.
First, rumors swirled that he and Barca had agreed to part ways, then he retired from international football where he was Germany’s captain, and finally, it looks as if he will be returning to Manchester City — where he played before making the jump to FC Barcelona last summer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted about the situation:
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.
Pep Guardiola has been absolutely key to bring Ilkay Gündogan back to Man City.
As soon as Barça informed Gündo about plan to let him leave on free transfer, Pep wanted to talk to Ilkay.
Despite big proposals especially from Qatar, Gündo’s back until June 2025 plus option.
Ilkay Gündogan has said goodbye to all his Barça teammates this morning while clubs are completing all the documents.
Gündogan has accepted to leave on free transfer; he’ll NOT receive two-year salary remaining on his Barça contract.
Man City, set to welcome him back. ️
Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg also offered up his information as well:
Yes, Ilkay #Gündogan will return to Manchester City ✔️
It’s all done and sealed between the 33 y/o and #MCFC.
Gündogan will sign a contract until 2025 + 1 as @polballus reported today and confirmed. He will leave Barcelona for free.
Signing in the next days. Gündogan rejected offers from and as he wanted to return to ManCity. Return of the year, now agreed!
For Gündoğan, Manchester City will offer a comfort zone and a chance for him to regroup, while competing for trophies. Not such a bad deal, eh?
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