Pep Guardiola reveals private Ilkay Gundogan talks paved way for Man City return

Ilkay Gundogan has sealed a transfer back to Manchester City just 14 months after leaving on a free to Barcelona – and Pep Guardiola had no hesitation in green lighting the move

Pep Guardiola says Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester City with the right attitude, claiming he has not come back to retire.

Gundogan, 33, has sealed his return from Barcelona, signing a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The former Germany midfielder could be in City’s squad for Saturday’s home game with Ipswich if international clearance comes through in time and Guardiola says he is still hungry for success.

Gundogan helped City win 12 major trophies, including captaining them to the Treble before he joined Barcelona on a free in 2023, and Guardiola says he is not thinking about coasting to retirement. “The important thing is he wants to come back,” said the City boss.

“I got the message from [director of football] Txiki [Begiristain] saying, ‘Ilkay wants to talk to you and call you’. I said ‘yes’ and now we are here and he has to deliver a good season.

“The feeling is he doesn’t come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it’s time to put your shoes on and do your best.”

Guardiola is not expecting City to sign anyone else as they search for another striker to replace Julian Alvarez and says Gundogan’s arrival shows how quickly things can change. “Most of the time, all the managers say anything can happen in the transfer window, so this is the real proof,” he said.

“It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well, the staff and the players and everyone. We know the quality he played with last year at Barcelona. That was a high level and we look forward to seeing that a lot. We didn’t have any doubts when it became possible and we’re delighted he’s back.”

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Barcelona had to offload Gundogan just 14 months after signing him in order to free up some cash and Guardiola says his competitive character is great for his dressing room. “I spoke a little bit with Ilkay and he had incredible words about Barcelona, the city and the people,” he said.

“He spoke so highly about his experience there, but the situation in Barcelona, everyone knows it. I know how competitive he is, he still drives his mates to do their best. I know his qualities, he adapts in two or three roles perfectly. He doesn’t need time to settle.

“If tomorrow he needs to play against Ipswich, he can do that, he knows everything. He’s a person who is beloved by his mates. Everyone is so happy he’s back.”

Rodri will miss Ipswich and Guardiola says the Spain midfielder is still building up his fitness following his hamstring injury in the Euro 2024 Final. He added that Savinho is also likely to miss out as he returns from a knock. “Yeah, he feels better,” he said. “I don’t think he’s completely top, but he’s part of the training and we’ll see today and tomorrow what we want to do with him.”

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