Ilkay Gundogan is on the verge of completing a return to Manchester City just a year after leaving the club on a free transfer to join FC Barcelona.

Ilkay Gundogan (R) of FC Barcelona vies with Luka Modric of Real Madrid during a La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 28, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

Barcelona's financial problems, with debts of over 1,000 million euros, mean the 33-year-old has now been allowed to return on another free transfer to reduce their wage bill, so they can finally inscribe new signing Dani Olmo into their first team squad.

The midfielder is reported to have spoken to Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola in the past days, with Guardiola happy to welcome him back, and Gundogan agreeing a one-year-deal with the option of a second season. He has also reportedly renounced any money from the two years outstanding on his contract with Barca.

Gundogan will help City gain in squad depth after selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and losing Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb with a broken leg.

He originally joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and in his seven seasons at the club, he made 304 first team appearances, scoring 60 goals.

He helped the club win the treble (Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League) and in total won five league titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.

He was one of Barcelona's best players last season, scoring five goals in 51 appearances, and slotting into the passing game favored by former coach Xavi Hernandez, although he was critical of errors made by team-mates after Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain.

Barcelona are also close to completing a deal to see Brazilian Vitor Roque join Betis on loan for a season. The 19-year-old cost Barca around 30 million euros at the start of the year, but has so far made only 16 brief appearances for the club.

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