Ilkay Gundogan leaves Barcelona, rejoins Manchester City: Decoding his stats
Premier League champions Manchester City have completed the signing of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from FC Barcelona on an initial one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The German midfielder spent seven years at Man City before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023. The 33-year-old won 14 trophies in his first spell at the Etihad. We decode his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Gundogan helped Man City win the historic Treble in 2022-23 and felt it was the right time to find a new challenge. Despite having an impressive debut campaign, Barcelona decided to part ways with Gundogan after struggling to register new signing Dani Olmo owing to financial issues. Gundogan was one of the club's highest earners and departing the club will help Barca.
I am leaving in a difficult situation, says Gundogan
"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 following the announcement. 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 with the Spanish club.
Guardiola welcomes back his former skipper
"It was a complete surprise, unexpected," said Pep Guardiola. "We didn't have any doubts when the possibility to re-sign him was open, and we're absolutely delighted that he's back." Guardiola sees Ipswich Town visit Manchester on Saturday. His side beat Chelsea 2-0 in matchweek 1 at Stamford Bridge. Gundogan, who said Man City are the best club, would be raring to have a crack.
Decoding Gundogan's numbers at Man City
Gundogan spent seven long years at Manchester City and mustered 304 appearances for the club, including 188 in the Premier League. He also netted 60 goals for the club in all competitions, including 44 times in the Premier League. He owns 37 assists for Man City, including 16 in the Premier League.
His performance at Barcelona in 2023-24 season
Gundogan made 51 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring five times. 36 of his appearances came in the La Liga. He also made his presence felt with 14 assists.
