Pep Guardiola is confident Ilkay Gundogan will make an immediate impact on his Manchester City return.
As part of a whirlwind few days in Manchester and Catalonia, the German star has opted to go back to City, after a year in Spain.
Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer, following the expiration of his City contract, but Guardiola pushed to bring him back for the 2024/25 campaign.
Despite previously rejecting talk of Gundogan leaving, Hansi Flick admitted the player changed his mind, with Gundogan hinting at Barcelona’s financial issues helping his decision.
#MCFC have confirmed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from #FCBarcelona.pic.twitter.com/CQmZ2J4UOe
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 23, 2024
Removing Gundogan from the salary list helps Barcelona move some squad pieces around and Guardiola has no doubt over his former captain.
“Everyone is so thrilled and happy that he’s back and I’m sure it’s the same for the fans”, as per reports from BBC Sport.
“He knows everything so he doesn’t need time to settle, if he has to play tomorrow, he already knows what to do.”
Gundogan was registered in time for City’s home clash against newly promoted Ipswich Town but Guardiola is unlikely to start the 33-year-old.
Spain star Rodri Hernandez remains sidelined, following a delayed preseason return after winning Euro 2024, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
