Ilkay Gundogan has arrived in Manchester as he closes in on a shock return to Manchester City.
The midfielder is poised to rejoin Pep Guardiola‘s side as he gets set to leave Barcelona after just a year in Spain.
Gundogan will sign a one year deal at City with an option for a further year.
In a 50 minute-meeting at Tast Catala restaurant, which Guardiola owns, the pair discussed 33-year-old Gundogan’s return to City along with chief executive Ferran Soriano, who was seen helping fans take pictures with the club legend.
Last year Gundogan joined Barcelona on a two-year contract and made 51 appearances last season, while he scored five goals.
Ilkay Gundogan has arrived in Manchester as he plans to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s side
Gundogan is poised to return to Man City following just one season as a Barcelona player
Gundogan attended a meeting with Pep Guardiola at the City manager’s restaurant Tast Catala
Gundogan posed for photos with fans outside Tast – with City CEO Ferran Soriano taking them
Barcelona are continuing to struggle with financial problems and have been unable to register new signing Dani Olmo following his move from RB Leipzig.
Gundogan’s exit alone wouldn’t be enough for Barcelona to register Olmo but it would help Barcelona’s financial situation.
City, meanwhile, will be delighted to welcome back Gundogan to provide them with an extra option in midfield.
A player highly valued by City’s manager, Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for the club in 2016.
During an illustrious initial spell at City that spanned eight years, Gundogan made 304 appearances across all competitions, while he scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists.
Gundogan won an array of honours with City, including the Champions League, five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
He was City’s club captain during their remarkable treble winning campaign of 2022-23 prior to his departure.
Gundogan is poised to become City’s second summer signing following the arrival of Savinho from Troyes.
Gundogan is set to be reunited with Guardiola at City following a year away from the club
In 2022, Gundogan’s wife Sara complained about the restaurants in Manchester
However, more recently Sara stated that she was sad about having to leave Manchester
Gundogan was the captain during City’s remarkable treble success in the 2022-23 campaign
In 2022, Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui…