Ilkay Gundogan has made a surprising return to Manchester City after a brief stint at Barcelona, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey. The last time Gundogan was in Manchester, he was lifting the Champions League trophy in 2023, but much has changed since then.
Despite leaving City for Barcelona under somewhat frustrating circumstances—citing the club’s delayed contract offer as a reason for his departure—Gundogan never completely let go of his ties to Manchester. He chose to keep his city centre apartment, a decision that now seems almost prophetic given his unexpected return. “It was just such an intense year,” Gundogan explained, reflecting on why he didn’t part with his Manchester home. “I struggled with finding an apartment over there…so I just thought, okay, keep it for now. It looks like it was meant to be.”
Gundogan’s return to City comes amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes, which led to his release from the Spanish giants. Back at City, Gundogan faces a different team dynamic. He’s no longer the captain, a role he held with pride, but he’s not concerned about reclaiming the armband. “My aim was always to lead by example, whether in the dressing room or on the pitch,” Gundogan said, emphasizing that leadership isn’t just about titles.
City’s style of play has also evolved in his absence, with more direct tactics and a restructured midfield hierarchy. However, Gundogan, known for his football intelligence, is expected to quickly adapt to these changes. His interest in the tactical aspects of the game remains strong, as he continues to engage in deep discussions with Pep Guardiola. “We spoke about tactics…and I feel like there is so much to learn from him,” Gundogan shared, hinting at his long-term interest in coaching—a career path he’s already begun exploring through his coaching badges.
At 33, Gundogan isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. He’s signed a one-year deal with City, with the option for an additional year, potentially extending his stay until 2026. While Guardiola’s future at the club remains uncertain, Gundogan is focused on the present, eager to contribute to the team and enjoy his football for as long as possible. “I am not done yet,” he asserted. “I still want to play a few years because I feel physically top, mentally on an amazing level, and I just want to enjoy playing football.”
For Gundogan, Manchester City is more than just a club—it’s the place where he believes he can still achieve greatness.
