Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester ahead of rejoining Manchester City on a free transfer.
The German midfielder, who was integral to City’s successes in recent years, left the Etihad last summer to join Barcelona on a lucrative £300,000-a-week contract.
However, his time in La Liga seems to have been short-lived.
Gundogan was spotted on Wednesday evening having a private meeting with Pep Guardiola at Tast Catala, the City manager’s renowned restaurant in Manchester.
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This encounter has fueled the growing rumors of his imminent return.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Gundogan will finalize his return to City in the coming days, bringing an end to his 13-month stint at Barcelona.
The transfer aligns with Barcelona’s ongoing financial restructuring, as the Catalan club seeks to reduce its wage bill to comply with La Liga’s financial regulations.
Allowing Gundogan to leave on a free transfer not only helps ease their financial burden but also gives the player the opportunity to reunite with the team where he enjoyed immense success, including winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
For Manchester City, this move represents a significant boost.
Gundogan was a key figure during his previous spell at the club, known for his leadership, versatility, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
His experience and tactical intelligence will undoubtedly strengthen City’s midfield options as they seek to maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
