English Premier League champions Manchester City have reached an agreement with German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to return to the club after one season at Barcelona, according to press reports.
Gundogan, 33, will sign a one-season contract with City, with the option to extend for a second season, on a free transfer, according to The Athletic.
The German, who announced his international retirement on Tuesday, will give up the remaining two years of his contract with Barcelona to facilitate this move, noting that the third year of his contract was activated last season when he participated in more than 60% of the team’s matches, according to the source.
Gundogan joined Barcelona last summer, making 36 appearances in all competitions, but has been told he is not in the plans of new coach Hansi Flick, Xavi Hernandez’s replacement.
The Athletic website indicated that the player contacted Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, and that the latter gave the green light to complete the deal.
Gundogan played 188 games for City, helping them win five league titles and the club’s first ever Champions League.
City, who started their league season with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, have only signed Brazilian Savinho, while Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has moved to Atletico Madrid.
Gundogan said Tuesday in his decision to retire from international football that he felt “a little tired”, adding: “After weeks of thinking, I have come to the conclusion that the time has come to end my career with the national team.”
