German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has rejoined Manchester City one year after he left the Premier League champions to join La Liga side Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

After one year away from the club, the 33-year-old has signed again for City on a one-year with an option for an additional year following a mutual agreement between Gundogan and Barcelona to part ways.

Barcelona were forced to let go of Gundogan, who was one of the top earners at the club for free to help the Spanish club comply with La Liga financial restrictions that have faced the club in recent years.

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan. “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. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”

During his first spell at the Etihad, which lasted for seven years, the former Germany international scored 60 goals in 304 appearances and won 14 trophies. 

“I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad,” Gundogan wrote on Instagram in his departure message to Barcelona fans.

Gundogan added he had been “looking forward to helping my team-mates in the new campaign,” but he was “grateful” to have spent 12 months at the club.