Ilkay Gundogan has already solved double Man City problem for Pep Guardiola - but there's a catch

Ilkay Gundogan is back at Manchester City after just 12 months and Pep Guardiola is unsurprisingly delighted. The Germany international, after joining the club back in 2016, was part of the core group that guided City to six Premier League titles from the last seven years and now he is back with the hope of continuing that dominance.

Last summer, Gundogan departed Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract in search of a new challenge that he chose as Barcelona. Having signed a two-year contract with the Catalan club, Gundogan had already entered the final 12 months of his deal when it became clear he was free to leave.

Given the history he has with City and Guardiola, it was no surprise that both parties were open to a reunion and getting his services back as a free transfer was just an added incentive. In his press conference on Friday, ahead of the clash against Ipswich Town which Gundogan is available for, Guardiola discussed the signing and how it all came about.

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“It was a complete surprise and unexpected. It happened,” he told reporters. "We know him quite well, me personally but the players and the staff and everyone. We know the quality he played with last season in Barcelona. He played at a high level, consistency with a lot of minutes, producing a lot.

“We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open so we’re absolutely delighted that he’s back. I got a message from Txiki [Begiristain] saying Ilkay wants to talk to you. He called me and asked about the situation and if there was a chance to come back if I would like it and we said yes