Ilkay Gundogan has arrived in Manchester as he prepares for a surprising return to Manchester City.

The midfielder is ready to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s squad as he prepares to leave Barcelona after only a year in Spain.

Gundogan will sign a one-year contract with City, with the option for an additional year.

In a 50-minute meeting at Guardiola’s Tast Catala restaurant, the pair discussed Gundogan’s homecoming to City alongside chief executive Ferran Soriano, who was spotted assisting fans in photographing the club legend.

Gundogan signed a two-year contract with Barcelona last season and appeared in 51 games, scoring five goals.

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Ilkay Gundogan has arrived in Manchester as he plans to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s side

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Gundogan is poised to return to Man City following just one season as a Barcelona player

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Gundogan attended a meeting with Pep Guardiola at the City manager’s restaurant Tast Catala

Barcelona’s financial woes persist, as the club has been unable to register new player Dani Olmo after he moved from RB Leipzig.

Gundogan’s departure alone would not be sufficient for Barcelona to sign Olmo, although it would help the club’s financial position.

Meanwhile, City will be thrilled to bring back Gundogan, who will offer them with an extra midfield option.

Gundogan, a player highly respected by City manager Pep Guardiola, was the club’s first signing in 2016.

Gundogan made 304 appearances in all competitions during his eight-year tenure at City, scoring 60 goals and providing 38 assists.

Gundogan has won numerous honours with City, including the Champions League, five Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, and four League Cups.

Prior to his departure, he served as City’s club captain during their historic treble-winning season in 2022-23.

Gundogan is expected to become City’s second summer acquisition, following the arrival of Savinho from Troyes.

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Gundogan is set to be reunited with Guardiola at City following a year away from the club

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In 2022, Gundogan’s wife Sara complained about the restaurants in Manchester

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However, more recently Sara stated that she was sad about having to leave Manchester

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Gundogan was the captain during City’s historic triple success in the 2022–23 season.

In 2022, Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui grumbled about the food in Manchester, claiming that there are no excellent restaurants in the city.

The model and TV personality was born in France but relocated to Italy as a child. On Instagram, she expressed her inability to obtain authentic Italian, sushi, or fresh cuisine, instead relying on frozen options.

She wrote: ‘Sorry, I’m sad to be honest, but nothing. I was desperate to find a good restaurant, but there was only poor cuisine everywhere. Can’t locate authentic Italian, excellent sushi, or fresh cuisine…